Walker's Sophomore Selected for U17 Puerto Rican National Soccer Team

Ethel Walker School sophomore Veronica Garcia has been selected to play for the U17 Puerto Rican National Soccer Team.

She has been chosen to represent Puerto Rico this month in three matches, with the hope that the team will qualify for the CONCACAF U17 Women’s Championship, which will be played in March 2016 in Grenada.

“I have this overwhelming sense of gratefulness,” reflected Garcia. “I get to do something I love at such a high level and represent the place I’m from, and it gives me a sort of surreal feeling because this is one of my biggest dreams. I have such a strong support system coming from friends here at The Ethel Walker School. I feel very blessed that this opportunity has presented itself, and that my parents are one-hundred percent there for me through this process because I would not be here without them. I now have the chance to give back to them and let them see that all the sacrifices they have made for me will pay off.”

“It’s an honor and a thrill to have a Walker’s soccer player on the world stage,” said Walker’s varsity soccer coach Todd D’Alessandro. “Veronica consistently demonstrates and models the values the coaching staff looks for; a never-say-die attitude, belief in herself, and support for her teammates. No matter the score or situation, Veronica can be counted on to lead on the field, and show empathy and understanding towards not only her teammates, but to her opponents as well.”

Veronica has been a student at Walker’s since the seventh grade and a member of the varsity team since the eighth grade. She has been a staple of the team’s midfield and offensive attack for the last two years, using her footwork and speed to throw off opposing defenses.

Puerto Rico is a member of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) and is has been placed into Group A in the CFU. Veronica will play with her new teammates in qualifying matches against Jamaica, Cuba and Bermuda. All matches will be played in Puerto Rico.

Visit www.ethelwalker/org for more information.

Photo courtesy of Ethel Walker School