SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series will allow players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Sophia Martelli, who has committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Alabama. Martelli plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Atlanta Fire United and attends Buford High School
SoccerWire Featured Player since January 2022.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Alabama?
Sophia Martelli: I had the feeling of home when I went to an ID camp there and after going on a visit I loved everything about it. I also like that it’s not too far from home.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
SM: The recruiting process was more stressful than I had expected and I had great visits and I learned that I can adapt easily anywhere. I also learned it was very hard for me to say no to coaches because there were a lot of great programs.
SW: How has social media helped you with the college recruiting process?
SM: It was a tremendous help. Being able to use Twitter to add highlights and accomplishments gave me more exposure.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
SM: My favorite subject in school is definitely math because of the way math is taught. It just makes sense to me. I would like to get a bachelor’s degree in social work.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
SM: I am a part of the teen life organization at my church as well as FCA [Fellowship for Christian Athletes] for my school.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Atlanta Fire? Do you have any favorite memories?
SM: I have had a great experience at AFU, the club has helped me grow so much. I have gotten an incredible amount of support and coaching as well as creating
bonds with amazing people. Some of my favorite memories with AFU were definitely beating some of our rival clubs. Also, some of my best memories have been made on
the trips we take and just with the people that I have made bonds with.
SW: What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
SM: My favorite cleats that I ever wore were the Mbappe Mercurial Superflys-they were purple with fire and I feel like they were very me.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play soccer at a high level what would it be?
SM: My advice to any younger players that are looking to play at a high level would be to not expect the recruiting process to be fun all the time but take your time
and take in the good parts of it and know there’s a school for you. Don’t compare your process with anyone else’s because everyone’s looks different.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
SM: I have lots of people that I would love to shout out but both of my parents have been a huge help throughout my whole soccer career. Having two parents who
have played sports at the D1 collegiate level has been a huge help going through the [recruiting] process.
