It’s not always easy to fit in when you’re a standout, but Cleveland FC’s Sarah Molina manages to turn the trick.

It must have something to do with her inner confidence. It’s evident in the way she plays soccer and the way she carries herself. And it’s the very belief in herself and her ability that allows her to adapt easily to new environments.

Take this season, for instance. Not only is it her first year with Cleveland FC after coming over from Ohio Premier, but she’s also playing up from her U15 team to the U16s. And to top it all off, the natural outside back is now playing central midfielder for her new team.

That’s enough transition to leave even the most flexible player a little frazzled, but not Molina. She’s off and running, and already making a strong impact on her new teammates.

“When I first came over I kind of hesitated a little,” Molina admitted. “I didn’t want to come in and yell or try to be a leader. But now I can see that they respect me and what I want to do. They’ve been very welcoming to me and I’ve just tried to get into a rhythm and play my heart out.”

Molina has joined a team talented in its own right, boasting players like central midfielder Megan Giesen, defender Allie Sirna and forward Kelsey Smigel.

Having been a longtime team captain, a State Cup Champion, and a fixture on US Youth National Teams, Molina adds to the mix with a composure and knowledge that enhances the overall group.

“She brings a knowledge of the game that’s at a very high level,” said Cleveland FC coach Pete Demonte. “She has had to come in and learn how to play a different system and her transition has been seamless. She’s physically well advanced and she has unbelievable quickness and endurance. Technically she’s unbelievable she can strike the ball with either foot and she’s just getting better and better.”

Molina is currently playing with the US U17 Women’s camp in Carson, California, alongside players like Alesha Blair, Jessica Lee, Katie Speidel, Whitney Church and Cari Roccaro.

She’s enjoying the experience, not only for herself, but for the eager teammates she knows await her back home.

“I love coming to these because every time I’m able to learn something new and bring it back to my team,” Molina said. “My teammates are always curious and happy when I return from camps, and they ask what I did and what I learned. It helps everyone.”

It’s that kind of attitude that has helped the “new girl” become just another one of the girls.

“At this level of play in order for a team to be really successful you kind of have to have a bond,” Demonte said. “Sarah is such a good girl and she comes from a great family. She fits right into the mold of our team and its been perfect.”