Sofia Raco '26 Recruiting Profile

My name is Sofia Raco and my graduation year is 2026. I started playing soccer when I was 4 years old and fell in love with the sport almost immediately. For as long as I can remember, all I've ever wanted to do was play soccer. It is a big part of who I am and it helped me get through some tough times. I don't think I would be who I am today without not only the sport itself, but also my coaches and teammates. I hope to one day be able to proudly tell my friends and family that I was able to play soccer at the university level in the States, something that is very difficult to do for a Canadian. There are not a lot of girls in my family that play sports, especially soccer, and I want to be a role model for my younger girl cousins to look up to and say "I want to be like Sofia." I believe that I can be a good candidate for any team primarily because of my flexibility. I am able to adapt to different formations, play styles, and even different positions. I have played every position on the field, even goalkeeper, but I am most confident and comfortable playing as a forward, specifically as a striker. I view scoring goals as a way to help my team win, but I also know that another part of my job as a forward is to provide my teammates with opportunities to score their own goals. I like to play aggressively and to apply high pressure on the opponents defense. I am able to win the ball in chaotic situations around the six-yard box to put the ball in the back of the net. As a team player, I am very friendly and respectful towards my teammates. I am able to get along with anyone and would have no trouble fitting in with any team dynamic after some time. I am a very academic-focused individual and have every intention of keeping up with my studies to the best of my abilities, no matter the circumstances. My family is probably one of the few things that is more important to me than soccer, and whenever I have the chance I try to be around them as much as possible. I would love for them to be able to come and support. However, I am looking forward most of all to joining a new family of roommates, teammates, and coaches! As a soccer player, my two biggest inspirations are Christine Sinclair and Cristiano Ronaldo. Sinclair is the sole reason that I proudly wear the #12 jersey for my team, and I have worn this number since I was 6 years old. Sinclair is a role model across Canada for many young female soccer players, and I hope to one day be able to play at the same level she did. Her many achievements, such as being the top international goal-scorer (male or female), are legendary to all those who look up to her, myself included. As for Cristiano Ronaldo, I am inspired by his discipline and hard work. His influence spreads across the globe, and he even inspires athletes in other sports. Maybe it's because I'm half-Portuguese and he is a big part of the country's soccer history, but I've always believed that he is the greatest of all time.