Happy Orere-Amadu’s life thus far has been just that – happy.

After completing the final soccer game of her collegiate career, the Nigerian native had nothing to offer but smiles and hope for a promising future.

“This feels so awesome,” Orere-Amadu said of her final game. “Awesome, but bittersweet. I’m really going to miss playing with these girls.”

Orere-Amadu has been playing with her current teammates at UTSA for the past two years. Last year, Orere-Amadu tied for goals with her teammate, senior Anissa Munson. All three of the goals she scored were game-winning goals.

Before her years in the Alamo City, Orere-Amadu was making headlines in The Big Apple, playing for Monroe College in New York City, N.Y. While playing for the Monroe College Mustangs, Orere-Amadu emerged as a breakout star. She earned all-region and all-district honors in both of her years attending Monroe. Although she loved playing in New York, Orere-Amadu dreamed of playing Division I soccer and had the opportunity to fulfill that dream by coming to San Antonio.

“Coming from New York to San Antonio, it was a huge difference,” Orere-Amadu explained of the transition. “When I first came to visit, I just loved it here. I loved the atmosphere. The people, the coaches and my teammates were all great – so I decided, why not?”

Her decision proved to be a great one. Orere-Amadu ended the season with a team high 41 shots and a spot on the 2013-14 Conference USA (C-USA) Commissioner’s Honor Roll.

Orere-Amadu’s passion for soccer is obvious — in her spare time, she enjoys mentoring kids about the sport. The energetic UTSA forward is in her last year at UTSA and is getting her degree in athletic coaching.

“Just being able to wake up and kick the soccer ball in the morning is a blessing,” Orere-Amadu said. “I just love playing. I have been playing since I was inside of my mom’s womb. I love everything about the sport, but I think I get most of my passion from seeing the smile on kids’ faces. It’s exciting to see them, knowing that you just being on the field motivates them. It makes them want to play the sport, and it keeps me passionate.”

If her bright personality and passion on and off the field are any indicators, Orere-Amadu will be great at whatever she chooses to do.