Stacie (Anastasia) Galo '18 Recruiting Profile

My goal is to attend a college that will fit me as a hardworking person as well as a competitive soccer player. I am looking to be challenged and have the best opportunity to be successful in the next stages of my life. Balancing the demands of being a student-athlete is something that I have successfully done my whole life, and I am committed to continuing this in college.

Being challenged and working hard to achieve my goals is important to me both at school and with soccer. My schedule is busy, especially this year, my junior year, with:  AP and Honors classes, soccer practice almost everyday, studying for the ACT, and attending speed and agility training. All of this has taught me to be focused, hardworking and determined to succeed.

My ambition for higher-level soccer began in 3^rd grade when I was placed on a team with older players.  Since then, I have been a part of four different soccer clubs, each one advancing the competitive level of my game.  I am currently part of the 98/99 ECNL team for Chicago Sockers FC.  In order to achieve this level of soccer, I had to commit to working hard.  A few years ago, I started a speed and agility program as well as 1:1 sessions outside of normal club training.  For four summers in a row, I attended Julie Foudy’s Sports Leadership camp and learned about the mental aspects of the game and recognizing that leadership begins with your own example. I was stronger than ever and at the top of my game.  My hard work and determination lead me to playing as the starting forward for the Illinois State ODP team. 

Unfortunately, I suffered back-to-back injuries that kept me out of training for most of my freshman year in high school.  This was a very difficult time for me, but being away for that long period of time made me realize how strong my love for the game is.  I committed to putting in the hard work and dedication to get back to the level I was playing before my injuries.  With just a few weeks left in my high school’s soccer season, I was able to work my way from the freshman team to being invited to join the varsity team for the play-off series.  That year, we were conference and regional champions and it was a great feeling to be a part of that successful team. 

As a sophomore, my high school coach asked me to play left back despite my having played in an attacking position my whole soccer career. With our team facing many injuries to the defensive players, I knew this was an opportunity to step up for the team.  I accepted this challenge and successfully adapted to this defensive role, and it brought me a greater appreciation for the entire field of play.  Carrying this confidence into the summer, I returned to center midfield and lead my NPL U16 Sockers team to becoming regional champions and trip to the US Club National tournament.  Our team went undefeated and earned a 3^rd place finish nationally. 

Soccer has become a strong part of my identity, allowing me to differentiate myself physically and mentally as a student athlete.  With my unique opportunity to get to know Julie Foudy, it has helped shape me as a leader on and off the field. My experiences as a high school soccer player, club soccer player at the NPL and ECNL level as well as through the state ODP program, I know that I can have a positive impact on my teammates, my school and my community.  I am looking forward to bringing this into my college career.