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 Valentina Navetta, who has committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2024 at Northern Arizona University. Navetta plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Dallas Texans.
SoccerWire Featured Player since April 2022.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to Northern Arizona University?
Valentina Navetta: I committed to NAU because I loved the location, coaches, and felt that the school fit me the best. Coach Berrios and the rest of the staff are people that I am really looking forward to playing for. I loved my conversations with Coach Berrios, and I also loved Flagstaff when I went (mostly because it wasn’t so hot like Texas is), and am excited to live in a place with all four seasons!
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
VN: The recruiting process was definitely a rollercoaster. It was long and frustrating, but it was also super fun and exciting. I got to spend a lot of time with my parents going to ID camps at a bunch of different schools in different states, which was really cool. While at times, it wasn’t easy, it made the end product that much more rewarding. It also taught me that if you want to achieve something hard, you have to put in a ton of work.
SW: Growing up- who was your favorite soccer player and your favorite team?
VN: Growing up, and even still now, my favorite team is Real Madrid. My entire family and I are huge, huge fans. I have so many favorite players, it’s super hard to choose, but I would say that some of my top favorites are Marco Asensio, Fede Valverde, and, of course, my favorite, favorite is Sophia Smith.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
VN: My favorite subjects in school are probably Math and English. I always find that they come easiest to me, so I enjoy them more than my other subjects. In college, I want to study Political Science, so that I can go to Law School after and enter into sports law.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
VN: Outside of soccer, I play the piano and enjoy music (singing). I also love my two dogs, Nala and Scout, and spending time with my family!
SW: What is your favorite jersey that you have ever owned?
VN: I have owned one jersey, and it is Marco Asensio’s Real Madrid jersey from the 2017-2018 season. I had just gone to Spain and visited the Bernabeu, and after that I knew I had to own his jersey.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for the Dallas Texans?
VN: My experience has been really good playing for the Dallas Texans! I have the best teammates, and they push me everyday to become better. My coach, Roderick Scott, has also helped me a bunch by pushing me and not letting me become complacent as a player. He also really helped me with my recruiting process, which I am super thankful for.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play midfielder at a high level what would it be?
VN: I would say to not let yourself get down when things don’t go exactly the way that you wanted or thought. I would also tell them to focus on themselves, and not get caught up with what everyone else is doing because that is out of your control. Focusing on the things that you can do to get better is a lot easier than trying to figure out how to be like everyone else around you.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
VN: My family is definitely the only reason that I am where I am today. They have sacrificed so much for me and taken a lot of time out of their lives in order to help me achieve my goals. I am very thankful for them and the ways in which they have helped me not only be the best soccer player I can, but also the best person that I can.
