Junior Mia Oliaro helped guide the United States women’s soccer team to the CONCACAF Under-17 tournament championship this month in the Dominican Republic, scoring three goals over the seven-game tournament.
The United States captured their third-straight championship on May 8, defeating Mexico 2-1, while recording shutouts in the first six games. Oliaro made an appearance for the U. S. squad in each of the tournament’s games.
The team is preparing to participate in this year’s Women’s-U17’s FIFA World Cup in India, starting on October 11.
“It’s an honor to represent the U.S. on the national stage,” Oliaro said. “My goal while representing the country was to play with confidence and give 100 percent. Not only do I want to contribute to the team with goals and assists, but I want to establish myself as a leader every time I step on the field.”
Currently a striker for the North Carolina Courage’s Elite Clubs National League team, Mia committed to play soccer for UNC-Chapel Hill last September. Oliaro is one of five North Carolinians to represent the youth national team for the tournament.
“I played with Mia from age 6 in YMCA all the way to 2016 in Triangle United,” junior Madden Rutherford said. “You don’t have to be on a team with her to see the passion and love she has for the sport. Her skills on and off the ball are incredible and the work ethic she displays in every game and practice is what makes her stand out from the rest.”
Oliaro began playing soccer at the age of three.
“My parents wanted me to try every sport, and put me on YMCA teams,” she said. “I decided to get into soccer, and it’s safe to say that it was a great decision.”
While Oliaro’s commitment to the national team prevents her from playing for Chapel Hill High School, assistant soccer coach Davis Boyle had nothing but praise for Oliaro’s play.
“She’s an amazing player with a lot of talent and super athletic,” Boyle said. “Her determination and work ethic are something that’s unmatched in our area.”
