Ariana Dingley

Ariana Dingley started playing soccer because she liked doing whatever her older sister was doing. But as she progressed in her career, soccer became something she enjoyed in her own right. Dingley began playing soccer at just five years old and never stopped working on her craft. She would go on to star for Lansingburgh and was twice named Section 2 Class B Colonial Council All-Stars First Team and was honorable mention two more times in four years with the Knights.

Dingley was also recognized for her defense in 2022 when she was named Colonial Council Girls Soccer Co-Defensive Player of the Year. She remembers that as her most meaningful award she received in her career. “That award was when I was coming off an injury,” Dingley said. “I felt down, unsure if I was able to get back into it. And we didn’t have the best record that year, but it felt really good to be recognized for my hard work that year.”

Dingley started her high school career spending her spring running track to prepare for soccer season. But after suffering an injury that kept her off the track, a friend asked her to come out for the softball team the next year.

“Playing other sports helped, but it was all so new,” Dingley said of her early softball career. “I definitely wasn’t the best, but I put a lot of work into it.”

Her work paid off and Dingley was named captain in her second year on the team. “I’m not the most outgoing person, but when it came down to it in the huddles, I was able to channel something with everyone,” Dingley said. “I had my own connection with each players and find the right words. Make sure we were focused.”

Michael Robbins, Dingley’s athletic director at Lansingburg, said she truly earned such a position. “Her competitiveness, work ethic and passion for sports have allowed her to not only be a successful athlete, but to also be seen as a leader in the eyes of her teammates,” he said. “Ariana is a kind hearted young woman who will always do the right thing, even when no one is watching.”

Lansingburg head coach James Swab agrees. “She is an excellent role model for younger members of the team,” he said. “She is a leader on and off the field.”

In addition to her athletic prowess, Dingley excelled in the classroom. She was named her school’s valedictorian after achieving high honor roll in each marking period. Dingley was also involved in her community, including with the Lansingburgh Veteran’s Club.

The Veteran’s club was a cause close to her heart since both of her parents are veterans. Being able to support the other veterans in the community offered her a rewarding way to give back. “It was rewarding because people would be excited to see young faces at the veterans club,” Dingley said.

With all that time spent in school, sports, and volunteering, it’s natural to wonder how Ariana Dingley made time for all these things.

“I didn’t’ have much of a social life,” Dingley said only half joking. “But at the same time, I made so many connections through all the sports and clubs. I was around my friends all the time.

A native of San Diego, Dingley is set to return home for college. She’s headed to study at the University of San Deigo in the fall in a bit of a homecoming. “I have some family still out there,” she said. “And of course, the weather makes for a nice environment.

“I’m very honored to be recognized for this achievement,” she said. “I’m appreciative of those who supported me in my journey and that my hard work and dedication is being noticed.”