Mia Grijalva '24 Recruiting Profile

My highlight videos are on Instagram at @Mia_soccergirl50

My name is Mia Grijalva. I am the only daughter along with identical twin brothers (19 months apart) who I am extremely close to.  As a neuro-divergent person who faces multiple learning disabilities such as dyslexia, executive function, auditory processing, & ADHD, I have faced unique challenges.  I have worked very hard and overcame every obstacle presented before me to achieve academic success, be part of 2 great soccer teams, and be a strong independent person.  I want to be an orthopedic or plastic surgeon. 

I have been a starter on my high school team since my Freshman year as a center back and our team won our division all 3 years and advanced from D4 to D1 in our HS CCS game this past year.  This year I am 1 of my HS team’s captain.  On my competitive Surf and Pajaro Valley United teams, I play left back, mid-field, and center back.  I have also played any position my team needs me from Goalie to Striker.  Defending is my comfort spot, what I absolute love to play, and what I am most confident at. 

I am able to read the field, show leadership on and off the field, communicate, and be there for my team.  I received the “Team Mom” award from my fellow HS players my Junior Year.  I pay attention to detail, have a strong work ethic, and are able to adapt on the field in a fast paced  game.  I put in the extra work at the gym time 4-5 days a week for at least an hour each day on top of practice. I independently google and review other team games prior to our games to study the team.  I do footwork drills and/or one-on-one drills with my twin HS brothers.  I proactively communicate with my high school and club coaches after watching videos on what to do better because my goal is to always get better and play soccer in college. 

I also find it important to give back to my community.  I have over 375 volunteer hours with the SPCA and our Surf Academy to teach 3-5 year old how to play soccer.  I like teaching the little ones soccer because they are so excited just to kick a ball.  I love fostering animals (@mc_fostering) because I know I am helping  during a critical time. 

In my Exact ID camp, this was Coach Kershaw, Pennsylvania State University Altoona  on July 25, 2022  Morgan Hill, CA independent evaluation of my 3-day ID camp:

“ Mia has the mentality to beat opponents on the one-on-one, which is the player's greatest asset.  Any university would enjoy this player, as the ability is consistent throughout the game, exerting 100%.  Highly coachable and positive throughout every session. Admiration from other players was evident. If training is continued at a minimum of 5 days a week, a future within a collegiate division is inevitable”

“* Defending - Aggressive as a defender. Good footwork and positioning, and seems to enjoy the 1V1 battles.”

“* Confidence - Great confidence, didn't shy away when challenged at camp and played with a sense of urgency.”

“* Competitiveness - Showed a strong desire to win and seems to enjoy the competition. Keep working hard!”

“* Vision - Field vision is very good. Constantly checking over shoulders on and off ball allows for quick decisions.”

“* Field Spacing - Highly active and involved in the attack. Gives good distance of support and passing angles for teammates.”

“* Speed - Great speed overall, inparticular when running into space. Will be an important asset going forward.”

“* Explosiveness - Great quickness and explosiveness, especially in the first step or two.”