Name: Jacqueline Snyder
Team: G02/03 NL Black
Number of Years at Copa: 3
HS: Oak Knoll HS
HS Honors: State Championship, High Honor Roll
Coaches at Copa: Coach Roberto and Coach Lori
College Attending: Holy Cross
Conference: Patriot League
Anticipated Major: Business
Quote about a specific coach: Coach Roberto and Coach Lori helped me develop into a player that I never thought I could become. They had confidence in me since the beginning, before I had confidence in myself, and constantly pushed me to improve. Coach Roberto and Coach Lori demand a lot from my teammates and I but ultimately that is why my team has been so successful. I do not know where I would be without Coach Roberto and Coach Lori and I am so thankful to have them in my life.
What are your most memorable moments or experiences at FC Copa Academy?
One of my most memorable experiences at FC Copa was playing in the National Cup Finals in Colorado. It was a great opportunity to play soccer at a high level while also allowing me to travel and make memories with some of my best friends.
How did FC Copa Academy help you become the player you are today?
FC Copa has pushed me to improve since the day I joined this club. Everyone at FC Copa holds extremely high standards for their players because they see their potential. Copa was the first time that I had truly been pushed by my coaches and my teammates and as a result I was able to experience drastic improvement. Copa surrounded me with encouraging coaches and teammates who all demand a lot from each other but also constantly support one another. Whether it was a meeting at a field or in the office or talking about soccer or life, my coaches at FC Copa have gone above and beyond to make sure that I am becoming the best possible person and soccer player that I can be.
How did FC Copa Academy help you get into the college program you will be attending?
Coach Roberto and Coach Lori were instrumental in helping me get recruited. Throughout high school, both of my coaches have stressed the importance of reaching out to as many colleges as possible when it came to showcases. Coach Lori helped my teammates and I set up recruiting profiles and draft emails to coaches. She also made sure that we were staying on top of our school work by checking up on our grades. I had sent several emails to coaches at each of the various showcases my team had attended. Coach Roberto was able to put me in touch with the Holy Cross Coach which was the pivotal point in my recruiting process. I would not be playing soccer in college, especially at a D1 level, if it were not for FC Copa, Coach Roberto, and Coach Lori, and I could not be any more grateful for my experience.
What are your thoughts and experiences on the collegiate recruitment process with FC Copa Academy?
Recruiting is definitely a long and frustrating process, however, the end result makes everything worth it. It can be difficult to constantly send emails and it may seem like you are not making any progress in terms of talking to coaches. Even during times where you feel disappointed, it's important to do your best to stay positive and keep working hard. Whether things are going well are not, it is important to be putting in the work both on and off the field. As long as you keep pushing yourself to get better, this process will have a light at the end of the tunnel.
What advice would you give to future FC Copa Academy athletes going through the collegiate recruitment process?
Though it may be difficult sometimes, avoid being pessimistic. Keep your head up and never stop working towards your goal. Coach Roberto and Coach Lori will be an immense help throughout this process. They are amazing resources to use and are more than willing to help. With that being said, you must do your part by working hard, performing, and being productive with your process.