In this edition of SoccerWire’s Q&A series, we will showcase Caprice Chiuchiolo, who plays travel soccer in the Girls Academy for SC Del Sol and has received multiple call-ups to the Ecuadorian under-17 Youth National Team. She has also verbally committed to playing college soccer in 2025 at Grand Canyon.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to represent Ecuador?
Caprice Chiuchiolo: I have dual citizenship through my father and grandmothers Ecuadorian side of the family. I was invited and attended my first Ecuadorian U17 National camp when I was 14 years old. It was an amazing experience, I was so honored to be able to represent my family’s Ecuadorian heritage proudly.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Ecuador and what you have learned about yourself while playing for the national team?
CC: It’s been an unbelievable experience and a dream come true! The Ecuadorian players, coaches, the entire staff have truly been so welcoming from day one. They have all made me feel at home and a part of the Ecuadorian soccer family. The facility which is called Casa de la selection, which means house of the selection, is truly an amazing and beautiful place to stay and train. I was blessed to have been selected to the U17 Ecuadorian National team for the South American World Cup qualifiers this past March which were held in Paraguay. Through lots of hard work and determination we made history as the first U17 Ecuadorian women’s team to qualify for the U17 World cup, which will be held this coming October in the Dominican Republic. It still feels surreal to be a part of this historic and incredible team. What I’ve learned about myself are several things while playing for Ecuador. First off my Spanish is a better than I thought it was. The more I attend camps the more comfortable I am communicating and understanding Spanish. Traveling from Phoenix to Ecuador round trip several times now has taught me a lot about being independent. I’ve also learned a lot about my heritage and culture. Ecuador is such a beautiful country, one I look forward to exploring even more in the near future with my family.
SW: What made you decide to verbally commit to Grand Canyon University? For me it was a relatively easy decision.
CC: Grand Canyon checked all the boxes. I knew I wanted to stay in state and be close to my family, having the GCU campus 30 minutes away was very appealing. GCU being a Christian faith-based university was very important to me as well. Attending a university that has had a lot of success and a winning culture which GCU has was very exciting. Most importantly GCU has an amazing coaching staff, which includes Coach Parman, Reynolds’s and is led by Head Coach Chris Cissell. Coach Cissell not only is a great coach but an even better person. From the first day Coach Cissell reached out, I knew right away GCU was the perfect place for me. I’m looking forward to being part of the GCU soccer family.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
CC: One of my favorite classes from last year was forensics. I found it very interesting and different from all of my other regular classes. In terms of college and what I would like to study, I am undecided as of now.
Outside of soccer, what clubs organizations, and or jobs are you involved in? As you know, with most competitive athletes, there really isn’t a lot of time to do other things. In school, I am a member of The National Honor Society, which I’m very proud of. In terms of other sports, I have been the placekicker on the Gilbert Christian Varsity football team the past three years. When I do have some rare down time, I enjoy spending time with my sisters, family and friends.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for SC Del Sol in the Girls Academy?
CC: Moving over to SC Del Sol 3 years ago personally has been the best experience and the best decision I could have ever made. I am blessed to be on a team that is extremely talented and is led by Coach Tommy Mcnaughton. Coach Tommy, as we call him, has built an amazing culture and competitive environment. I’ve grown and learned so much, not just as a soccer player, but as a person being at SC del Sol.
SW: How do you pump yourself up for a game? Do you have any pregame rituals or things that you like to do?
CC: My pregame ritual is listening to music with my AirPods in and just really envision myself playing in the game.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice with younger player, that is starting college recruiting process, what would it be?
CC: For me the advice I would give any younger player that has aspirations to play college soccer is to never be satisfied, always continue working and grinding to get better daily. Every successful player that I have known has one thing in common, which is they are obsessed with working. To be great at anything in life you have to have an obsession and a true love for what you’re doing.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shout out who has helped you on and off the field?
CC: There are several people I’d love to thank and give a shout out to that have helped me along my soccer journey. First and foremost, I’d like to thank God, who without none of this would be possible. I would love to thank my Mom and Dad for their love and support. Also thank you to my sisters who have always encouraged and been there for me. All my teammates along the way who have pushed me to be the best version of myself. I have been so fortunate to have some great coaches in my life. For my early years of soccer development, I’d like to thank Coach Meskill. I would like to thank my Gilbert Christian high school soccer Coaches Orellana and Mack for an amazing undefeated state championship season. Thank you High school Football Head Coach Norris for trusting me from day one. A huge thank you to my SC del Sol Coach Tommy for being the best coach I could have ever asked for. Also thank you to Coach Cissell at GCU for believing in me and giving me such a great opportunity. Thank you to the Ecuadorian U17 Head Coach Moscoso and his staff. Lastly, I am so grateful to the entire Gilbert Christian school community for all their love and support.
