
By: Matt Rothman
Marjory Stoneman Douglas’ junior Gianna Rizzo is officially committed to playing college soccer at UNC Charlotte.
Rizzo started playing recreational soccer when she was six until she was 12. Then, Rizzo played on Sunrise Prime and has moved around but is back playing for Prime ECNL 06/05.
“It feels like a weight lifted off my shoulder,” Rizzo said. “Playing soccer at a high level is stressful enough, but throwing in college decisions takes it to a whole new stress level.”
In 18 games as a freshman, Rizzo scored ten goals with the varsity soccer team while helping them win 13 games and a trip to the Regional Final.
“I am so excited for ‘G,’” Head Coach Laura Rountree said. “I look forward to watching her continued growth as she prepares for this next step. I know she will keep working hard and am really happy for her.”
Rizzo was blown away by the campus and felt a strong bond with the players and coaches. She still has two years left of high school and hopes to become stronger.
“I believe I’m a pretty physical player, but all your club coaches tell you the physicality level in college is next level, Rizzo added. “This is why my Dad and I lift weights in the gym together to get stronger.”
UNC Charlotte already matches their win total from last year of four through their first ten games in 2023.
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Author Profile

- Matt Rothman is a 2018 graduate from Florida Gulf Coast University receiving his bachelor’s degree in journalism and then graduated from the University of Florida as a graduate student. He also works for the Mohave Valley Daily News in Bullhead City, Arizona covering high school sports.
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