Early Life
PLAINVIEW, NEW YORK
I grew up in Plainview, New York. I started playing soccer when I was three years old. I wanted to do everything my brothers we’re doing…Yeah I was that sister. I don’t remember much of it, but I remember having this feeling that eventually blossomed into love. It was fun being able to compete with my brothers and it just made me feel good. I was raised as a tomboy because I have two older brothers so I was raised to always be strong. Soccer was something that made me feel free.
I went to Plainview High School and played four years as a varsity player. I received many accolades like Coaches Award, MVP Award, All Conference and All County. My athletic department also had a banquet where awards are given and I received the All Around Most Athletic Female, which felt amazing.
As for my club team, I finally moved from Plainview Soccer Club to Farmingdale Soccer Club and it was the best switch of my life. I made some of the greatest friends I could possibly asked for. We were always ranked in the top 10 of the state and was invited to a bunch of different tournaments that were highly competitive.
College Life
QUINNIPIAC UNIVERSITY
Before I went to college, I was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes. I was diagnosed when I was 16 so it was very late in my life. It was such a difficult time for me because that is when colleges start to actively recruit you for their team. It also came in such a crucial point in my life. I always felt down and different and only told my closest friends when I found out. It made playing sports extremely difficult so I ended up having to quit a lot of my sports and focus on two of them, which was basketball and soccer.
I ultimately decided to go to Quinnipiac University. I picked Quinnipiac because it has an amazing physical therapy program. I decided to enroll in the three-year undergraduate program and the 3 year graduate program in order to finish my education somewhat quickly.
Coming to soccer, I wasn’t recruited by the coach but he told me I could come try out. So I tried out and connected with the team so well. I was red shirting, which means I practice but I do not play in games. However, the coach began to change. We would meet and chat about my performance in practice and he would tell me that I was better than some of their starting players. However, summer came around and he told me that I would be involved with summer training. I did not hear one word from him over the summer. It felt like he was just stringing me along at this point. During my sophomore year, I finally chatted with him and told him that I was done and I wasn't going to let him disrespect me anymore.
Future Life
VETERAN'S PHYSICAL THERAPIST
I hate not being part of a team anymore. However, I don't think I missed out on a big portion of my life. I am still playing in a co-ed league down in Hamden, Connecticut and have met a bunch of new people who share the same love for the sport that I have.
I am also the Director of New Haven Youth Soccer, so you can say I really never said goodbye to the sport. Being a travel coach has taught me so many things that maybe college soccer wouldn't have taught me. Coaching younger kids is just so rewarding.
My ultimate goal in life has changed throughout the years. However, I want to be the person that someone can come to and to just be there for him or her. My dream is to work as a physical therapist for wounded soldiers in the military. I want to be able to be their support system and being able to help people who defend our country would be amazing.