Last season represented a major turning point for
Micala Boex as she made her long-awaited debut with the Northern Arizona women's soccer team. After her return from an injury that left her on the sidelines for a year, Boex played in all 17 matches while starting in eight during the 2024 season.
"It was rewarding seeing how much my hard work has paid off through the years of battling injuries, and being able to play the sport that I love." Boex said, reflecting on her return. "I was nervous but also happy to be back on the field."
The forward from Aurora, Colo., has already surpassed last year's statistics, registering five goals and four assists in nine matches of the 2025 season. She was also voted to the Preseason All-Conference Team following an impressive first campaign as a sophomore with the Lumberjacks.
Her return to the field was not only about her relentless work, but also the people around her.
"Everyone on the team is super supportive. Having that family aspect in the group has been an amazing experience," Boex shared.
The team's unwavering support during her recovery and her discipline on and off the field has shaped Boex into an athlete who appreciates the game and knows how to support others facing injuries. "Coach Alan, Coach Chris, and now Coach Freddy have all been supportive and want me to be healthy," she added, emphasizing the coaching staff's positive impact during her recovery.
Head Coach
Alan Berrios returned the sentiments, noting that Boex was a player they truly believed in from day one, impressing them more and more each time they ventured to her hometown to see her play. Even after Boex's first ACL injury right before starting at NAU, the belief remained.
"Micala was learning to find her footing and adjust to the college game. It took some time for her to fully tap into her potential, but now she's the player we always knew she could be." Berrios said. "She is a dynamic and outstanding player with the potential to be one of the best forwards in the conference. Even more importantly, she's an exceptional person off the field. We're thrilled to have her as part of our program."
As she has now successfully recovered from the second ACL injury of her career, Boex looks forward to continuing to compete and enjoying the sport she has loved since she was five. "Last year I put a lot of pressure on myself to do well and I think that didn't allow me to enjoy the moment," she reflected.
With the 2025 season underway, Boex discussed her improvement from last season to now. "I think that comes from the experience of playing college soccer and also being in a team where we all want to succeed."
After tallying one goal and one assist in each of the last two road games Utah Tech and Southern Utah, she was named Big Sky Co-Offensive Player of the Week on Sept. 16. While it is still early in the season, Boex has already proven herself as a natural goal scorer and a creative threat on the pitch, ranking first in the league and ninth in the country in shots per game (4.33).
Coming off a 1-0 loss to GCU last Thursday, the Lumberjacks look to regain momentum at home as they open conference play. NAU will host the Montana Grizzlies this Thursday at Lumberjack Stadium at 8 p.m.
