The Georgia Call-Up: Cedartown High School's Julianna Segura

This week’s edition of the Georgia Call-Up takes us west to Cedartown High School, where senior central midfielder Julianna Segura is putting together a standout final season. With 15 goals already this year and 64 for her career, she’s closing in on history as the program’s second all-time leading goal scorer, but Segura’s impact goes beyond the numbers. Her game is built on intelligence, work rate, and a willingness to grow, traits that have defined her development throughout her high school career.

The SDH Network caught up with Julianna and head coach Nancy Flores-Martinez to learn more about her journey, her mindset, and what makes her such an important piece both on and off the field.

Julianna Segura Q&A:

Q: Who is a player you model your game after and why?

A: I would say Messi, I know everyone is always saying Messi or Ronaldo? But to me Messi has always inspired me. He has always been a very technical player on the field, and tends to always play simple and quick, and that's the style of play that I enjoy playing most.  

Q: Who inspires you the most and why?

A: To me, my parents would be my biggest inspiration, growing up they weren’t given any of the opportunities I have today. They push me to be a better person, to focus on my grades and soccer. A lot of times when I lose motivation they are always there to push me and help me start again.

Q: What’s one thing people don’t realize about your sport?

A: That soccer isn’t just running and kicking a ball around. Just like all sports, it has more to it. There's techniques in every play, the way you hit the ball, who you pass it to, and especially with what intention. Not only that but it's also a very mental game, sometimes one's body tells them to stop but their mind tells them to keep going and we have to try and find a balance between the 2.

Q: Earliest soccer memory? 

A: I would say my earliest soccer memory was definitely my motivation to start playing. I remember that the whole reason I wanted to play soccer was because I wanted a pair of cleats. They were some black and pink puma cleats, I remember being so excited to play for the first time.

Q: How would your teammates describe you?

A: On the field I think they would describe me as someone who is determined, sometimes a little hard on others and myself of course. However off the field I think they would describe me as someone who is kind and has a sense of humor.

Q: How has been balancing being a student athlete?

A: At times, it becomes difficult to balance both school and soccer, because there are situations where I sometimes have to choose between the 2. While being a student, I know I have to make the time to do my schoolwork, while also trying to participate in clubs, so that's where I am conflicted often, because I have practice and games after school weekly. However I know I am a student before an athlete, so I tend to prioritize school first.

Q: Favorite memory with your teammates? 

A: My favorite memory with my teammates would have to be when we made the playoffs my freshman year. I know that for our girls soccer program, making it to the state playoffs seemed like a non achievable goal, but the moment we found out we made it we were all so hyped and excited and we felt amazing about our team and how far we made it.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: In 5 years I can definitely see myself working as a nurse at a hospital. I know that college will be hard, but I firmly believe that I can make it and be the best at what I want to do most. I see myself helping others and continuing to achieve my goals.

Cedartown High School Girls Varsity Soccer Coach, Nancy Flores-Martinez Q&A:

Q: How would you describe Julianna in one word?

A: Dedicated

Q: What has it been like to watch her develop as a player and a person during your time?

A: It's been really rewarding to watch Julianna develop both on and off the field. When she arrived as a freshman, she was already talented, but she was understandably a bit timid stepping into a strong upperclass group. What impressed me immediately was her willingness to learn and adapt—she connected with our veteran players quickly and earned their respect through her work ethic. Over the years, she's become an incredibly versatile player. What stands out most isn't just her athletic growth, but her character. She's humble, always encouraging teammates, and leads by example. She shows everyone what hard work actually looks like—there's no entitlement, just consistent effort in whatever position she plays. Beyond athletics, Julianna has matured into someone with real poise. She can hold meaningful conversations with adults, which is honestly a skill many her age don't have. We see that maturity every day in the classroom too. She's the kind of player and person who makes a program better simply by being part of it. Watching her growth has been one of the highlights of my time here.

Q: How would you describe Julianna as a player?

A: I would describe Julianna as dynamic, intelligent, and ambitious. That really captures both her character and her athletic ability. Her primary position has been center-mid, where she's been an anchor for us. But what's truly impressive is her adaptability. We've asked her to play different positions throughout her time here, and she's excelled in every role. She doesn't just fill a gap—she plays those positions well and leads by example in whatever she does. That combination of being dynamic on the field, intelligent in how she reads the game, and ambitious in her approach to improvement is what sets her apart. It's reflected in how she carries herself and how she impacts everyone around her.

Q: What does their work ethic look like when no one’s watching?

A: Julianna's work ethic is genuinely impressive when no one's watching. It's clear she's putting in extra work beyond our team practices to improve her game. You'll find her at the recreation center playing with boys—not because she has to, but because she loves the game and wants to challenge herself against different competition. She also stays after practice to work on free kicks with a couple of teammates. It's not a solo grind for her—she brings others along, which speaks to her character. But the point is, she's consistently doing the work when there's no spotlight, no recognition. That's when you really see someone's commitment.

Q: What makes them unique beyond the stats?

A: Julianna is unique because she's coachable. She's been a key player for us, but she's always looking for the next level, constantly asking for feedback, always seeking ways to improve. What really sets her apart, though, is her communication. She doesn't just take feedback; she gives it. She offers suggestions and feedback to her teammates. That's a skill that often gets overlooked, but it's so important. She does it naturally and effectively. Beyond the stats, you see her true character in how she plays unselfishly. Yes, she's put up numbers for us, but she doesn't let that dictate her decisions on the field. If a teammate has a better shot on goal, she passes. She won't take the opportunity just to pad her stats. She's not chasing individual recognition, she's genuinely playing to win. That's what makes her a true teammate.

Q: What do people outside the program maybe not see about them?

A: What people outside the program don't see is Julianna's kind heart. She's a genuinely caring person, not just on the field, but in everything she does. At home, she's heavily involved in her family. She helps take care of her brother and is always there supporting her parents. Beyond that, she coaches two teams at the rec department—one boys team, one girls team. When she doesn't have a game herself or one of her teams playing, she refs for the rec department. What stands out to me is that she doesn't just do these things to check a box. Whatever she's involved in, she does it with 100% of herself. She does it right. There's no half-effort, no going through the motions. That level of commitment and care, to her family, to her community, to every role she takes on, that's who Julianna is as a person. That's what makes her truly special.

The Lady Dawgs face Rockmart April 16th at 5:30 p.m. for a non-conference match.

The Georgia Call-Up, in partnership with the Georgia Student Finance Authority, is our statewide initiative spotlighting high school players that college coaches should know. If there’s a student-athlete who deserves to be seen, we want to hear about them.

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