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 Tabitha “Abbi” Sine, who has committed to play NCAA Division I soccer in 2024 at BYU. Sine plays travel soccer in the ECNL for D’Feeters Kicks SC.
A SoccerWire Featured Player since January 2021, Sine is one of the top Class of 2024 recruits from the state of Texas. She is a member of the U.S. Women’s Youth National Team roster pool and on the club side, she’s a standout for DKSC in the ECNL.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to BYU?
Tabitha Sine: I have always loved BYU. When I was born my blood must have been blue – there’s definitely something in the water in Provo, Utah (in a good way). My parents both went to BYU and had the most amazing life experiences, some that can only be described as miracles. I also essentially grew up on campus, attending their soccer camps since I was 9, as well as visiting every summer and winter. To make sure I could attend two weeks of BYU Soccer Camp each summer, I would run my own soccer camp in my backyard to raise money, training younger players on soccer skills and techniques.
By attending these camps over the years, I came to know and love the amazing coaches, administrators and faculty at BYU, not to mention the stunning campus. Given all of these factors, as well as the fact I have never played a game on Sundays because of my religion and BYU doesn’t play on Sundays, BYU was just the overall best choice for me. It helps me in all areas of my life, is my second home, and on top of all of the other considerations, their soccer program is consistently one of the nation’s best (which is always a nice plus).
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
TS: I think I learned two very important things (besides the fact that texting is not my forte): 1) it’s important to have an open mind and explore all of the options and 2) patience is a virtue. BYU was clearly a top contender for me from the beginning, however I did not want to commit right away. I wanted to take the time to understand and explore all the options out there to ensure that I had no regrets with my decision. In the end, I am really glad I took the time to do that because my process gave me the opportunity to meet a bunch of amazing coaches and faculty members from some incredible schools, and those friendships and connections mean a lot to me today. Beyond that, my process actually helped me better appreciate everything BYU has to offer and even increased my desire to go there. At the same time, I really appreciated BYU’s patience throughout the process. This was a really big decision, and it meant the world to me that BYU stayed committed to me the entire time and the coaches were always there to answer questions and support me no matter what.
SW: How do you feel your strengths on the field will help BYU?
TS: BYU plays a very attacking-possessional style of soccer. While many teams may say they play that way, it’s a really accurate assessment of BYU and it’s obvious just by looking at their stats. While I’m a defender, I love to attack and help my team, and that’s what Coach Rockwood wants and expects from her outside backs. But beyond that, my favorite part about BYU’s playing style is their aggressive approach to pressing. With the national team, I had the opportunity to play a 7/11 press, with a similar approach of containing the opposing team in their own defensive third. We pressed hard and high to win the ball back early. My national team experiences have really helped prepare me for that, and it is also something I really look forward to at BYU. It’s very unique, but when done well, it’s one of the most effective strategies in the game of soccer.
SW: Growing up- who was your favorite soccer player and your favorite team?
TS: There is no doubt – it was always Messi followed by Marcelo, Cafu and, of course, Barcelona. Messi has been the GOAT for a while in my mind, and now that he has his World Cup Gold, there really is no denying it.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
TS: I have always loved history and science. Both provide many opportunities to dive into interesting subtopics that entertain you personally. At the same time, both subjects really impact our daily lives, as science reveals the inner workings of human life, while history does the same thing, only more from the social and physiological side. In college, I want to study journalism and business with the dream to eventually become a sports color commentator for men and womens soccer.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
TS: Since I started attending Allegiance Academy (a boys soccer academy in Euless, TX), soccer has pretty much been my life. That said, I think finding the right balance is very important and very personal. You always need something to come back to and to ground you through the ups and downs of your career and in life in general. For me that safe place and balance comes through my family and my faith. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, I feel that when I am spiritually-centered, I am able to more fully appreciate all the big and small moments of this amazing game and life in general.
SW: What is your favorite soccer jersey that you have ever owned?
TS: It’s probably my ‘21/’22 USWNT jersey with the red and blue houndstooth pattern. That said, I also love the ‘19 WWC USWNT jersey in all red with the gold stars – it’s a classic. But I think I’d have to go with the ‘21/’22 jersey. It has a little more meaning to me because my amazing grandmother bought it for me after I played with the U-16 WYNT in Sweden in May 2022. She traveled all the way there to watch me play, showing me how proud of me she always is!
SW: What has your experience been like playing for DKSC so far?
TS: One of my favorite parts about playing with DKSC is their infrastructure. I have had the incredible opportunity to learn under Coach Hugh Bradford, who works in the Jamacian National Team program, coaching their U-20 team. On top of that, I’ve been super fortunate to train under Coach Evaldo Pedro, who has seen the inner workings and behind-the-scenes aspects of soccer organizations of all stages, from club, to college, to the professional level. Both coaches are amazing at putting their players first and prioritizing our development and growth as people. They have helped me enjoy the game so much more. They also invest in our development by ensuring that we have the right coaches to oversee all aspects of our development. We have two coaches at each of the girl’s club trainings I attend and three coaches at the boys trainings I attend. We also have strength coaches that help us prepare during the week and then warm us up before and cool us down after games. We have coaches who help us review the video of our games and trainings. And best of all, our coaches are all some of the most incredible people you will ever meet.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level what would it be?
TS: I would encourage her to find an environment that is competitive where you can develop and really learn to love the game. I am loving playing with DKSC Boys 07 ECNL Team right now and attending Allegiance Academy. Every drill is a heated competition, where the prize is the joy of competing and coming out on top, and then taking a moment to enjoy the game and talk about it with your friends. If you put your development first and really work hard, while also making sure to take care of yourself, you can accomplish any soccer goal you have.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
TS: Making a list like this is hard — it’s impossible to pick favorites. But I would probably have to highlight five coaches who took chances on me and really worked with me to help push me when I was struggling. Mark Metzger, Angelina (“A”) Pane, Kioumars (“Q”) Rezaie, Fleur Benatar and Evaldo Pedro.
Mark Metzger was my first elite level coach in Seattle — he saw who I could become and believed in me from the very beginning. Coach A was my next big influence and one of my first coaches in Dallas. She really helped develop me from a fearless “kickball” player into one who could actually pass, defend and read the game. She really pushed me and I will always be grateful for her continued support.
Coach Q coached me the longest out of all my coaches, and I wouldn’t be where I am without him. He really took a chance on me when I still had a lot of growing to do. Despite all the areas I needed to improve on, he was so invested in me from the start and always so supportive of my religion and decision to not play on Sundays. He looked past my size and lack of skill at the time and focused on my heart and work ethic, helping me grow and develop immensely over the years I trained under him.
Coach Fleur played a huge role in my development. I met her for the first time at my first USYNT ID Center and thought she was amazing. Then, as a Freshman in High School, I was thrilled when she joined Coppell High School as the varsity coach for my only season there, before she left to coach at the University of Houston. She taught me so much and continues to be a great mentor and friend.
And then there is Coach Pedro. He has had a huge influence on me. When I first started attending Allegiance Academy as a Sophomore, I struggled to match the skill level and speed of the boys. Coach Pedro saw my potential and became both my biggest support and critic. He pushed me mentally and physically and demanded a lot. He encouraged me to be creative and try new things, giving me a safe space to learn from my mistakes and grow. He has helped transform my game so much and I am so proud to have had the opportunity to learn under him—I only wish he was coming with me to BYU).
After that it really is my family, especially my grandma and my parents. My grandma has made so many sacrifices to support me. Last November, I was invited to play in the ECNL National Selection Game in Phoenix. It was a big deal for me and even though my grandma had work that day, she took a midafternoon flight, came to my game, hung out until I fell asleep and then snuck out and took a red eye flight home before work the next day. I love my grandma so much. It is amazing to know she is always there for me and that I can talk to her about anything. I can’t wait until I start at BYU because she lives in Salt Lake City, UT, only 45 minutes from Provo. That means that she will be able to come to all my home games, and I’ll be able to see her all the time!
But I can’t end without talking about my parents. From the beginning my parents have always been there for me and my biggest cheerleaders. My parents have been my mental support when I’ve doubted myself, my heroes in what they have accomplished and my examples in the way they treat others and carry themselves. They believed in me the minute I stepped on the pitch for the first time (and still supported me even when I took a moment or two to pick flowers instead of chasing the ball). They knew from the beginning who I was and what I could be. My parents have put so much aside to help me. They have paid for extra skills sessions, driven me all over the place for last minute skills sessions or games, and researched the best ways to keep me healthy. They have taken me to the best doctors when injuries have cropped up, comforted me when I have been down (even when they’re tired), reviewed countless emails to coaches, helped prepare me to talk to coaches, watched hours of film with me, learned how to create clips to make my highlight reels, and so much more. They have done everything imaginable and even some things that are unimaginable — you name it, and they did it or were already on it. Without my parents, I would not be the player or person I am today. They will always be my number one supporters and pretty much my best friends!!!
