SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Malia Hydes, who plays club soccer in the ECNL for Maryland United FC and has verbally committed to play for Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 2026.
SoccerWire Featured Player since September 2021.
What made you decide to verbally commit to VMI?
I verbally committed to VMI because when I first stepped foot on campus and saw the discipline and commitment of everyone around me, I knew I would be surrounded with greatness and leadership and that is what I want for my future. When I met and spent time with VMI Women’s Soccer, I loved the coaches and players. They were all so nice and told me honestly about their experience at VMI and with the team and I appreciated their straightforward attitude. I felt like I really belonged and would fit in with the girls on the team and that I would give my all to the VMI coaches and the team, so I wanted to be a part of VMI.
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The recruiting process for me was fun, honestly. I started really early, before June 15th, talking to D3s to learn about what I wanted in my school. Once June 15th came and I had D1 coaches calling and texting me, it was exciting. I learned that I am capable of making important choices in my life at only 16 and to believe in myself and what I have to give to a soccer program and college.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help your college team?
I feel that my strengths of dedication, hard work, and commitment will help my college team at VMI, because I want to be the kind of teammate others can count on and look up to. My high soccer IQ and leadership as a defender are also strengths that will help the team on the field. VMI is a very mentally and physically challenging school and it is important that we know as teammates, that we can do what we put our minds to and work together to reach our goals. I want to be a part of that culture.
You’ve represented the Cayman Islands Women’s Youth National Team program. What has that experience been like for you?
My experience representing the Cayman Islands Women’s Youth National Team has been amazing. They are a terrific group of girls with coaches who push them and want them to become the best version of themselves on and off the field. I was born in Cayman, so it gives me so much pride to be a part of the National Team. I’ve been part of teams that have traveled to Curacao and Puerto Rico and I can’t wait to experience more travel and international games throughout my career.
What has your experience been like playing for Maryland United FC?
My experience playing for Maryland United has been outstanding. They are the only club I’ve ever played with since I moved to Maryland 6 years ago. I originally was on the RL team then worked very hard and made the NL team the next year and have been on the ECNL team ever since. My teammates and coaches at Maryland United are like family to me. Everyone is supportive and wants you to succeed, through club, into college, and whatever plans you have after that. I even coach for Maryland United in the summer. I love coaching the U8/U9s and sharing my love for soccer and MDU with the kids I get to coach.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
My favorite pair of cleats I’ve ever owned were the cleats I tore my ACL in. I was only 13 when this happened and I’ve kept these cleats ever since. To me, these cleats show the hard work and effort I put into coming back to soccer and how much I care about the sport and what it means to me.
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
I would say build your confidence. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The score of the game doesn’t just fall onto your shoulders, it’s a team sport. Not everything that happens in a game is on one person, so don’t put everything on you. I would also tell them to have fun. Soccer is a universal language that you know how to speak and play so make the most of it and every opportunity. Love the game and be grateful it is in your life.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
I would give a shoutout to my mom, my dad, and my brother. They all support me no matter what I want to do with my life. They are the people who truly care about me and see my potential no matter what. My mom gets the biggest shoutout though through my soccer journey. She helped me learn, communicate and eventually commit. She is always pushing me to be better in everything I do in life and she is my role model. I strive to have the mindset and love in her heart that she has.
