Aaliyah Pena

Photo by: Sydney Kline '26 - @sydney.kline.photography

Position:
Forward
Height:
5-4
Class:
Sophomore
Hometown:
Santaquin, Utah
High School:
Salem Hills

2025: Played in five matches … made CMU debut in season-opener against Butler (Aug. 14) … played season-high 22 minutes at Ball State (Sept. 18), at Bowling Green (Sept. 28)

2024 (Lamar): Transferred to Central Michigan from Lamar of the Southland Conference … appeared in five matches … made collegiate debut at Abilene Christian (Aug. 22) … played season-high 16 minutes against Nicholls (Sept. 29) … earned Dean’s List Fall 2024 … Southland Conference Commissioners List

High School: Graduated with high honors from Salem Hills High School in 2024 … two-time All-Region First Team by Deseret News … earned Newcomer of the Year and Varsity Golden Boot with the Skyhawks

Club: Played for La Roca FC in Lehi, Utah … club squads finished in the DPL Summit Final (2024), Utah State Cup Final (2023) and was the Northwest Conference Champions (2022) … was selected for Top 18 Utah ODP (2022)

Personal: Daughter of Veronica and Eric Pena … youngest of four children: sister, Jessica, and brothers Ruben and Jordan … brother, Jordan, played for FC Tucson of the USL and was a USL Cup Champion in 2019 with the Real Monarchs … enjoys watching Manchester United and the New York Knicks—predictably, some of her favorite athletes are Cristiano Ronaldo, Alejandro Garnacho and Jalen Brunson

“Why CMU?”: “I chose to attend CMU to continue my college soccer career and find a fresh start. When I visited, I immediately felt comfortable. The atmosphere was super welcoming and had a good energy that made me feel like I could really fit in. I loved how the campus looked as well, it’s honestly beautiful and just felt like the right place for me. I truly feel like I can perform my best here. I’m excited to compete, give my all, and grow both on and off the field.”