From Barcelona to Bulldog

After growing up playing soccer in Spain and training with the FC Barcelona Academy, Laura Mas Serra took a big step — leaving home to compete at the collegiate level in the United States.

The move took her thousands of miles away from her family and friends, but Mas said Fresno felt right.

Mas is one of several international student-athletes who have left everything behind to compete at the collegiate level, showing the dedication and sacrifice it takes to play for Fresno State.

“Fresno seemed like the place that was like similar to home,” Mas said.

Mas has played as a midfielder for the Fresno State Women’s Soccer Team since 2022. She took the role as the captain during the 2025 season and, in her junior year, started all 19 matches in the center of midfield. She hopes to continue playing at the professional level after college.

Fresno State teammate Lauren Machuca has grown close to Mas during their time with the Bulldogs.

“She was our captain this previous year and I thought she did just such a good job of obviously leading people but just a good person,” teammate Machuca said.

Mas’s background and style of play from training in Spain continue to help the Bulldogs on the field. Head coach Gabriel Bolton said her awareness and skills are a great influence.

“She’s very technical,” Bolton said.  “She has a great sense of the game and where she should be on the field and how she can make her teammates better on the field.”

For Mas, the field represents more than practices and matches. It represents growth and the courage to leave home and chase new opportunities.

“Everyone is different, everyone brings something to the table,” Mas said. “So doing that for myself was something that meant a lot for me.”

Mas majors in Computer Science with a minor in Math and plans to pursue a career in the field after graduation.

Mas said the journey has transformed her — not just as an athlete, but as a person.