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 Tahlia Zadeyan, who has committed to playing NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Wake Forest after taking a gap year to play club soccer in Spain. Zadeyan plays travel soccer in the ECNL Girls for DMCV Sharks (she graduates in 2024 but will be taking a gap year). She has received multiple call-ups to the Armenian Youth National Team, including playing in UEFA qualifying matches at the U-17 level.
Zadeyan plays for DMCV Sharks and the Armenian Youth National Team.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to represent Armenia and what was going through your mind when you received your first call-up to represent Armenia?
Tahlia Zadeyan: I have Armenian ancestry on my father’s side. When the Armenian Soccer Federation learned of this, they asked for video [of my highlights] and eventually had a representative come to see me play in San Diego. The opportunity to play for a National Team is such a privilege and I was honored and excited to be a part of a program that linked my ancestry and love for soccer together.
SW: What was your first training experience like with Armenia and their coaching staff and what were some of the differences that you noticed between playing internationally and playing youth soccer in the United States?
TZ: The first time I went to Armenia I actually trained with a local women’s club team that was made of many National Team players. At first it was difficult to understand the instructions and communicate with the players, but they were all very helpful and eventually I was able to adjust to the rhythm and the universality of soccer. I loved the energy and joy that they expressed when playing. Women’s soccer is still growing in Armenia and has been great to be a part of that growth process.
SW: How have you grown as a player and as a person since that first call-up?
TZ: Playing in different environments and in games with big implications has definitely elevated my confidence and mindset-the belief that I could step into any situation and perform. Since my first call-up, I have become more adaptable-the travel, the language [differences], the new and different environments all forced me to be resilient and be able to better navigate new experiences and situations.
SW: What made you decide to commit to Wake Forest?
TZ: Like I imagine a lot of players do, I was looking for a great combination of soccer, school, and location. I went to a Wake [Forest] ID Camp and that confirmed how much I like North Carolina. The facilities at Wake Forest are were exceptional and I really enjoyed the coaching environment. I’m excited to be in the ACC and am very grateful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started in 2025.
SW: As a defender, how do you believe your skillset will help Wake Forest next season?
TZ: I’ll be attending Wake in the fall of 2025 after a gap year spent playing soccer for a club in Spain. As a tall center-back, I’m really looking forward to building my skills and speed as my overall strength this coming year. Another feature I bring is versatility so my goal is to be a complete player and be prepared to perform wherever the team needs.
SW: What subjects are you interested in studying in college?
TZ: I’m undecided right now but looking forward to exploring the options that Wake Forest offers.
SW: Off of the field, are there any clubs or organizations that you are currently involved with?
TZ: If I’m not on the field, then I am on the court playing volleyball, either indoor or on the beach. I have played varsity indoor volleyball all four years of high school and have been a part of two CIF Beach Volleyball Championships. I love my sports and my teammates but when I’m not with them then I’m at the beach and going out with my friends.
SW: What piece of advice would you give to a player who is interested in playing international soccer?
TZ: Go for it! The different styles and approaches can only make your game better. Off the field you will grow and mature and get to know yourself better.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you in your soccer career?
TZ: I would like to give a shoutout to my high school coach Austin[Mobley]. High School soccer was a unique opportunity for me to work on and expand different areas of my game. Coach Austin helped me build my confidence and his faith and trust never wavered as long as I was putting in the work. That encouragement and confidence allowed me to be more ambitious as a player and explore the full scope of my abilities and leadership on and off of the field.
