I. Introduction

The world of women’s soccer is abuzz with excitement as Jessica Garziano , the talented midfielder from St. John’s University, has officially declared her intent to enter the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Draft. With her exceptional skills, unwavering dedication, and impressive track record, Garziano is poised to make a significant impact at the professional level.

In this article, we will delve into the fascinating journey of Jessica Garziano, from her early beginnings in youth soccer to her remarkable achievements at St. John’s University. We will explore the factors that influenced her decision to declare for the NWSL Draft, the rigorous preparation she underwent, and the support she received from her coaches and advisors. By delving into Garziano’s story, we hope to gain a deeper understanding of the dedication and determination required to pursue a career in professional women’s soccer, while inspiring young women around the world who hope to reach the professional level.

Join us as we embark on a journey through the life of Jessica Garziano, a rising star in the world of women’s soccer, as she sets her sights on the coveted opportunity to play in the NWSL.

II. Background of Jessica Garziano

A. Early Life and Soccer Career

Jessica Garziano’s passion for soccer began at a young age. Growing up in the epicenter for youth soccer, it just seemed like the natural fit. From the moment she first kicked a soccer ball, it was clear that Jessica had a natural talent and love for the sport. Her coach at SUSA when she was 8 years old told her “I can’t wait till you get professional tickets for me.”

Born and raised in a small town on Long Island, Jessica’s early soccer journey started on with youth soccer powerhouse SUSA. Her exceptional skills quickly caught the attention of coaches and scouts. By the time she reached high school, Jessica was already making waves in the soccer community, earning recognition as one of the top players in her region. She was named one of the top 50 female soccer players on Long Island. She attended Half Hollows East and earned All-State nods in 2017 & 2018 by the New York State Sportswriters and Coaches Organization for girls. She tallied 25 goals and 42 points over four seasons, she also helped her high school to the Suffolk Class AA semifinal in her final year, and also was on SUSA’s Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) squad for 3 years, it is the top development and competition platforms for female soccer players. She noted that she is still friends with her teammates to this day, that they’re lifetime friends.

B. Success at St. John’s University

Jessica’s exceptional talent did not go unnoticed by college recruiters. She received numerous offers from prestigious universities across the country, ultimately choosing to attend St. John’s University in New York City, coached by Ian Stone. This decision proved to be a pivotal moment in her career, and opened doors she didn’t think were possible when she struggled as a freshman.

During her time at St. John’s, Jessica’s skill and determination set her apart from her peers. As a midfielder, she showcased an impressive ability to control the game and create scoring opportunities for her teammates. Her leadership qualities also emerged, earning her many accolades throughout her college career. Watching her play it was clear she had that it factor that coaches look for and she didn’t disappoint.

C. Accolades and Achievements

Jessica’s remarkable performances on the field translated into a string of accolades and achievements throughout her collegiate career. She consistently earned conference honors, being named to the All-Big East First Team and United Soccer Coaches East Region First Team. Her exceptional play resulted in her joining the St. John’s University all-time records list multiple times in her career.

Off the field, Jessica’s dedication to her studies was equally impressive. She excelled academically, maintaining a high GPA while pursuing a degree in Sports Management becoming only the second player in program history to accomplish the feat. Along with earning a bachelor’s degree she also received a graduate degree in applied math. Balancing the demands of her athletic and academic commitments showcased her exceptional work ethic and ability to prioritize her goals.

As her senior year at St. John’s approached its end, Jessica found herself at a crossroads, facing the decision of whether to continue her soccer journey at college due to the Covid year of 2020 or make the jump to the professional level. This pivotal choice would shape the trajectory of her career and potentially open new doors for her in the world of women’s professional soccer. By choosing to play one more year the talented graduate student set the bar for her team, conference and the NCAA.

III. Decision to Declare for NWSL Draft

A. Factors Influencing the Decision

Making the decision to declare for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) draft is not one that Jessica Garziano took lightly. It involved careful consideration of several factors that played a significant role in shaping her future in the sport.

First and foremost, Garziano’s passion for soccer has been deeply ingrained since a young age. Growing up, she dedicated countless hours to honing her skills, dreaming of playing at the highest level. The NWSL, being the premier professional women’s soccer league in the United States, naturally became the ultimate goal for her.

Additionally, Garziano’s success at St. John’s University played a crucial role in her decision-making process. Her coach Ian Stone helped her early on in her Freshman and Sophomore years, reminding her what an amazing player she is. He was always pushing her hard in practices and film study, he knew the talent she had, and he wanted to make sure she saw it too. Throughout her collegiate career, she displayed outstanding skills, leadership, and determination, becoming an integral part of the St. John’s midfield. The experience gained from playing at the collegiate level provided her with the necessary foundation to compete at the professional level.

B. Evaluation of Professional Opportunities

Another crucial factor in Garziano’s decision to declare for the NWSL draft was the evaluation of professional opportunities available to her. She understood that declaring for the draft would open doors to various teams within the league, each with its own unique environment, coaching staff, and playing style.

Garziano thoroughly researched the teams in the NWSL, considering factors such as team dynamics, playing time opportunities, and coaching philosophies. She weighed her options carefully, seeking to find the ideal environment where she could continue her growth as a player and contribute effectively to a team’s success.

C. Consultation with Coaches and Advisors

Garziano decision-making process was not done in isolation. She sought guidance from her coaches and advisors, who had been instrumental in her development as a player. Their insights and expertise proved invaluable in helping her navigate the complexities of the professional soccer landscape.

Consulting with her coaches and advisors allowed Garziano to gain a broader perspective on her abilities and potential as a professional player. Their honest feedback, combined with her own self-assessment, enabled her to make an informed decision about declaring for the NWSL draft.

Ultimately, it was a combination of these factors—her passion for soccer, collegiate successes, evaluation of professional opportunities, and consultation with trusted mentors—that led Jessica Garziano to declare for the NWSL draft. With her eyes set firmly on the future, Garziano aimed to take the next step in her soccer journey and make her mark in the highly competitive world of professional women’s soccer.

IV. Preparation for the NWSL Draft

A. Training and Conditioning

As Jessica Garziano’s decision to declare for the NWSL Draft became concrete, her focus shifted towards preparing herself physically for the next level of competition. Understanding the demanding nature of professional soccer, Garziano embarked on an intensive training and conditioning program.

Garziano worked closely with her coaches and trainers to develop a personalized training regimen that would enhance her strength, speed, and endurance. The program included a combination of weightlifting, cardio exercises, and agility drills tailored specifically to the needs of a midfielder in the NWSL. By targeting these areas, Garziano aimed to elevate her overall athleticism and maximize her performance on the field.

B. Scouting and Agent Representation

To increase her chances of getting noticed by NWSL teams, Garziano also sought out the expertise of professional scouts and agents. She understood the importance of having industry professionals advocating on her behalf and guiding her through the draft process.

Garziano worked closely with her agent to create a compelling player profile that highlighted her skills, achievements, and potential as an asset to any team. Her agent leveraged their network of contacts within the NWSL to arrange meetings and showcase events where Garziano could display her abilities to interested teams.

C. Mental and Emotional Readiness

Preparing for the NWSL Draft not only required physical training but also mental and emotional readiness. Garziano recognized that the draft could be a highly competitive and unpredictable process, filled with uncertainty and potential rejection. To maintain her focus and confidence, Garziano engaged in various techniques to strengthen her mental resilience.

She is going into the draft mentally prepared for all the craziness that drafts can bring and knowing that she needs to be prepared for any outcome that comes her way.

V. Conclusion

As Jessica Garziano embarked on her journey to the NWSL Draft, she left no stone unturned in her preparation. From rigorous physical training to securing professional representation, she dedicated herself to ensuring she was ready for the challenges that lay ahead. Additionally, by focusing on her mental and emotional well-being, Garziano aimed to approach the draft with confidence and poise. Now, with her preparation complete, she eagerly awaited the opportunity to showcase her talents and make her mark in the professional soccer world.

In conclusion, Jessica Garziano’s decision to declare for the NWSL Draft marks a significant milestone in her soccer career. From her early beginnings in the sport to her outstanding performance at St. John’s University, Garziano has proven herself to be a formidable midfielder.

Throughout her journey, Garziano has accumulated numerous accolades and achievements, showcasing her talent, dedication, and passion for the game. These accomplishments, coupled with her unwavering commitment to her craft, have paved the way for her to pursue a professional career in the NWSL.

The decision to declare for the NWSL Draft was not one that Garziano took lightly. It was the result of careful evaluation of her professional opportunities, consultation with coaches and advisors, and a deep desire to continue her soccer journey at the highest level.

Garziano’s preparation for the NWSL Draft has been meticulous and comprehensive. She has dedicated countless hours to training and conditioning, honing her skills and ensuring she is in peak physical shape. Additionally, she has sought out scouting and agent representation to maximize her chances of making a strong impression on NWSL teams. Equally important, Garziano has prioritized her mental and emotional readiness, knowing that the transition to the professional level requires resilience and adaptability.

As Garziano embarks on this new chapter of her soccer career, she carries with her the support of her family, friends, coaches, and fans. Her determination, work ethic, and love for the game will undoubtedly serve as the foundation for success in the NWSL. She also wants to pass on a message to her former teammates and youth players around the country who dream to be in her position one day.

“Just embrace every single day you have and take that as a day to get better and work on things you need to work on because during my freshman year, I would have no idea that I was going to be able to even sign up for the NWSL draft and be a contender for that. So, work on the little things and enjoy it because it does go by super quick and one day, you’re going to miss it.”

Jessica Garziano

The NWSL Draft will be a defining moment for Jessica Garziano, as she awaits the opportunity to showcase her skills and abilities to the professional soccer world. It is a testament to her talent and dedication that she has reached this point, and the future holds great promise for this exceptional midfielder.

The soccer community eagerly anticipates seeing Jessica Garziano excel in the NWSL, as she continues to make her mark on the sport she loves. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring athletes everywhere, reminding us all that with passion, perseverance, and hard work, dreams can become a reality.

It means the world to Jessica that she is representing her home of Long Island, (Melville) New York. It is home to many outstanding players and clubs, and she is happy to show the country that there are a number of great kids from New York and that the clubs there are proving that hard work does truly payoff and that Long Island continues to compete with anyone in the country.

As Garziano takes the next step in her soccer career, we wish her the best of luck, confident that she will make a lasting impact in the NWSL and beyond.

Photo Credit: St John’s University

Contributed by JJ Pavlick.