CALDWELL, N.J. -- When Ariana Gaminara secured her school-record 20th solo shutout on Thursday at Mansfield, there was no great fanfare save for a social media post and some acknowledgement from friends and fans there. The Cougars' senior netminder has bigger goals in mind than the season-opening road win.

After coming up a game short of the CACC Women's Soccer Championship last year, Gaminara, already a tireless worker, redoubled her efforts with a summer trip to Denmark with a couple of her teammates, looking for every edge to make 2025 a memorable campaign.

The school's career leader in goals against average (0.77 at press time) and save percentage (0.854), Gaminara added team captain to her resume as the Cougars continue their non-league schedule at Molloy on Tuesday before opening the CACC -- and home -- season with Dominican, a team the Cougars hadn't beaten in six years until a pair of Gaminara shutouts gave CU wins in the regular season and CACC semifinals over the Lady Chargers in 2024.

The four-year starter and multiple-time CACC All-Academic, Honor Roll and CSC Academic All-District selection took a few minutes to talk to CaldwellAthletics.com about her leadership role, career to date and future plans.

What is your main goal for your team this season, both on and off the field?  
My main goal for our team is to make sure that we play with 100% effort. We win, lose and fight as a team. If the result is not what we hoped for, we come back hungrier and more determined than before. 

What is a team motto or a core value that will drive your team this season?  
Our team motto is 'selfless.' We have built a culture that values everyone and not just one individual. I have never been part of a group that is as connected and supportive as this one. Our group really feels like sisterhood and the bond we get from being so close is what makes us strong.  

What is the one thing you want fans to know about your team?  
I would like our fans to know that we are ready to put our best effort out there and fight for each other every game. I honestly believe that with the utmost confidence we have the loudest team in the CACC. You would be hard pressed to find a quiet moment within this team and that energy drives us. 

Who is a player on your team that we should be watching out for this season, and why 
There are two players you should be keeping an eye on this season. Those players are transfer sophomore forward Ryleigh Tubbs and incoming freshman defender Brianna Reyes. Ryleigh is an absolute stud player. She is fearless, relentless, and always hungry to score. She is even willing to put her body on the line in tough situations. Brianna, on the other hand, is a much calmer player. She displays excellent composure and leadership. You would assume she is a more seasoned player. She communicates with ease and has a high soccer IQ. I am really looking forward to watching both grow and make a significant impact his season. 

What is one personal goal you're striving for this season? 
This season, I am focused on three main goals: being less hard on myself, improving my soccer IQ, and being a strong captain for my team. As a goalkeeper, it is easy to get down on yourself after a mistake, but I am learning to see them as lessons that help me grow. I also want to expand my knowledge of the game and trust my instincts on the field. Most importantly, I want to be a leader my teammates can count on both on and off the field. They are such an exceptional group, and I want to help them become better players and people. 

What are you most looking forward to in your first season as a team captain?  
As a captain, I am most looking forward to seeing my teammates grow and watching how our chemistry will continue to evolve into something formidable. I am super excited to make even more memorable memories together this season and hopefully cap it off by winning a CACC championship. 

After you graduate, what are you hoping to do next? 
After I graduate, my goal is to play professionally, whether that's internationally or here at home. Soccer has been such a huge part of my life, and I want to continue pushing myself to play at the highest level possible.