SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows 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 Samantha Marella, who has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Miami. Marella plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Legends FC.
Marella plays on the back line for Legends FC ECNL 07.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to Miami?
Samantha Marella: Miami is a place that has a very competitive soccer program, beautiful campus and area, as well as driven coaches and players. When I visited Miami I was taken on a tour of the campus, soccer/sports facilities, living dorms, and was able to watch their practice and meet the girls on the team. Watching the practice and spending time with the coaches showed me how passionate they are and made me excited to join a program with a new coaching staff that wants to be great. After my tour of everything and talking with the coaches I immediately knew it was the school for me. I am very excited and grateful to be given this opportunity to play for and attend Miami.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
SM: The recruiting process is a very nerve wracking process that is different for everyone. I am lucky enough to play ECNL which was able to give me a chance to be watched by schools before June 15th. This gave me a chance to spend my Freshman and Sophomore year sending out emails to schools with my showcase schedule and them coming and scouting me. Once June 15th hit, visits and calls started happening. To me, visits are the most important thing about the recruiting process to help find the school that is right for you. That being said, it is a process I will never forget. Two pieces of advice I would give to anyone going through the recruiting process would be to keep an open mind and be patient. Never think you are “behind” in the recruiting process because people are committing before you, it is truly different for everyone.
SW: How do you believe your skill set fits into Miami’s style of play?
SM: Miami plays in a very competitive conference (ACC) which means the demand for skill set and physicality is high. Playing center back and midfield at Miami will require me to have a great workrate, soccer IQ, and a competitive mindset which are things I have and am excited to show when I get there.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
SM: My favorite subjects in school are math and science. I am wanting to major in psychology..
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
SM: Growing up, my favorite soccer player was Julie Ertz. She is a competitive and fierce player that stands out on the field.
SW: What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
SM: My favorite cleats that I have ever owned are Nike Tiempos which are the cleats I still play in.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for Legends FC?
SM: I have just joined Legends FC this 23/24 spring season so I have not been able to play any league games with them. What has prompted me to join this team is the high caliber of players. Everyone on my team has the same goal to be the top team in the country which makes it a competitive and driven environment. Legends has been very welcoming to me and has acted like a second family so I am excited to see where my last year and a half takes me.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play as a defender what would it be?
SM: I would say to not just focus on your strengths but to make sure you are constantly practicing and working on your weaknesses. It is important to always believe in yourself. Never doubt yourself if you have a bad pass or get beaten on a 1v1. Just keep working and training to be the best you can.
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: There are four people I would like to give shoutouts to.
First, my parents. I want to thank you for everything you have done for me. The countless drives to practices and games, all the flights to different states, and the amount of effort you have put into me to get me to the place I am today. Thank you for being my biggest supporters on and off the field.
Second, I would like to thank Greg Baker. You have helped get me to the place I am today. You have built me into the player I am in ways no one else could have. Your support and help throughout this recruiting process has been something I could never thank you enough for.
Lastly, I would like to thank Lucas Quinn, my strength and conditioning coach. You have always pushed me to be the best I can and have helped build my love for training and soccer. I want to thank you for always helping me with anything and supporting me in everything.
Thank you to these four people. You have had impacts on my journey that I will remember forever.
