BY CHLOE FUSCO
Junior Alessandria Covolus spent her summer representing the United States in Gothenburg Sweden, playing soccer for NJ14 Soccer Club in the Gothia Cup.
Covolus had the opportunity to travel to Sweden and enjoy the opportunities the country offered while racking up wins on the pitch. “I got to experience a different country, make so many new friends, and come home with a bronze medal since we placed third out of 75 teams in the world at the tournament,” expressed Covolus.
At an open tryout in Hillsborough, a lineup of forty girls competed to earn a spot on the team, and Covolus won one. “I felt proud to represent America and honored to be chosen to have the opportunity to compete against other countries,” said Covolus.
Players and teams from all over the world play in the Gothia Cup, making preparation extremely important. “I played club soccer 4 – 5 times a week, and we also had team scrimmages to get us more comfortable playing with one another,” explained Covolus. “We would do a mindset training once a week.”
Playing teams from a wide variety of backgrounds means facing off against different playing styles. “It was very challenging playing against other countries that have been selected for the same thing but with different training and practices,” stated Covolus.
The US team went into the tournament strong-willed and ready to take on the other teams and started hot. On the first day of the tournament, “the [7-0] win put our group at the top and helped us win the bronze medal,” said Covulus.
Years of dedication and thousands of hours of training led to this special opportunity and prepared her to contribute to the varsity squad. “Club Soccer is more serious,” expressed Covolus. “When I’m playing soccer at school, I can have fun and bond with my friends while playing something I love.”
Posted on 10/23/23
Photos provided by Alessandria Covolus and Gaby Malanga
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