Despite plans to head to Harvard in the fall, Kristina Garrido sees herself as truly average.

“I’m so average,” she said. “I’m a normal person from a really small town who is really … just trying to have success in life. I can’t believe I’m getting the chance to go to Harvard. I’m too normal to be doing this.”

Garrido may not think this is reality, but the 17-year-old senior at Notre Dame High School is living it.

“Kristina Garrido personifies our school-wide learning outcomes which describe Notre Dame, Belmont graduates as ‘Women of faith, compassion and integrity; women of intellectual strength and courage; confident leaders; and global citizens,’” said Principal Rita Gleason.

The only child, who lives in Newark, is preparing to move where the weather is harsher in hopes of working in sports psychology. Moving and starting anew, the bigger school will be the next big location for Garrido whose educational experience began in a small Catholic school with the same 35 kids through grade school.

Garrido seemed to excel in areas where teamwork mattered. She dabbled in a variety of sports growing up but found soccer was where she excelled. At one point, Garrido dreamed of playing professionally. Now she wants to study sports psychology.

“I love sports. I’m obsessed with sports in general; Being a part of something greater than myself every day,” she said, adding it’s also a great outlet.

Garrido gets that outlet often. She’s played centerfield at Notre Dame for four years. The two-time most valuable player rounded out her school career as the team captain. She also plays with the Mountain View-Los Altos Avalanche club team, which she has been playing with since fourth grade.

As a result, time management has become important for Garrido. Players have become some of her best friends, and staying up with schoolwork was a necessity.

Despite success both in the classroom and on the field, Garrido didn’t think she would be capable of being accepted to a school of Harvard’s caliber. At the encouragement of a counselor, she applied.

Deciding where to go to school was the most stressful challenge Garrido had to overcome.

“I needed to trust in my abilities. [The situation] tried my patience. Playing soccer at Harvard, this is basically a dream come true. … I’m blessed,” she said.

Once accepted, Garrido’s parents booked her a flight and she and her dad visited. She noted how supportive her parents were, and always are, throughout the decision-making process. The family believes everything happens for a reason. And Garrido has taken that to heart as she looks back at the challenges of the application process.

At Harvard, Garrido plans to play on the field but also study about motivation in sports.

“It blends both of my loves together,” she said.

The Notre Dame High School graduation is 5 p.m. Wednesday, June 2. Tickets are required.

Great Grads is in its fifth year profiling one graduating senior from each of our local schools. Schools have the option to participate. Those that choose to participate are asked to nominate one student who deserves recognition.

Heather Murtagh can be reached by e-mail: heather@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 105.