Name: Amanda Aloia
Team: G02/01 NL
Number of Years at Copa: 4
HS: Rutgers Preparatory High School
HS Honors: All County, State Championship, Conference Championship, Honor Roll
Coaches at Copa: Coach Roberto, Coach Yazo
College Attending: Muhlenberg College
Conference: Centennial Conference
Anticipated Major: Speech Pathology
Quote about a specific coach:
They have very high expectations for me, my development and quality of play. They continuously give me feedback and focus on how I can improve my emotional and physical game so I can excel at the collegiate level and be proud of my achievements.
What are your most memorable moments or experiences at FC Copa Academy?
Making new friends when I first came to the team and seeing new girls join over the years, remembering how I felt as a new player and trying to make them feel welcomed. I continue to make new friends, which is great since things always seem new that way. I really enjoyed winning the Jefferson Cup, Summer Classic and the EDP Cup and also making it to the finals in other tournaments and how we felt as a team about what we accomplished.
How did FC Copa Academy help you become the player you are today?
COPA emphasizes individual development and working as a team. I think focusing on both makes me understand my role in contributing to the success of the team by striving to be the best that I can while focusing on something bigger, the team. Coach Roberto took an interest in me and is always honest with me, which helped me focus on my goal of earning multiple roster spot offers.
How did FC Copa Academy help you get into the college program you will be attending?
COPA emphasizes my strengths by giving me the opportunity to train at a high level and showcase my skills by playing in several positions on the field. Coach Roberto reached out to coaches on my behalf and told them to watch me play and to contact him to discuss more things about me as a player and a person. When we narrowed down the offers, Coach Roberto talked to the coaches to ensure the offers were solid so that I could make the best decision possible.
Share your thoughts and experiences on the collegiate recruitment process with FC Copa Academy.
COPA emphasizes taking ownership of the recruitment process. They definitely have a system for it and coach you along the way. Coach Roberto and Coach Yazo always help and give advice and very honest feedback about what you're doing, right or wrong, like a wake up call if you need to get back on track. They really emphasize building relationships with coaches to get to know them, going to games, visiting campus many times and talking with the soccer girls to get a good idea of the coach and college. Coach Roberto and Coach Yazo are always available anytime to talk about anything if a player is serious about playing in college.
What advice would you give to future FC Copa Academy athletes going through the collegiate recruitment process?
Start early, be organized and take control of your own process. Coaches will not come to you, so if you want a decent selection of offers and options you have to be persistent and show your interest by building relationships over a long time. When it gets to that point, go to as many overnight visits that are offered to you to make the best decision you can about the academic and school life, future teammates and coaches.