East County Athlete of the Week: Victoria Caiazzo

Victoria Caiazzo has emerged as a star this season for the Braden River girls varsity soccer team. The sophomore striker, who moved to Florida from New York this August, has taken the East County soccer scene by storm. As of Dec. 13, Caiazzo has scored a team-high nine goals in nine games, while also logging five assists.

When did you start playing basketball and why?

I think I touched a soccer ball for the first time when I was 3-years-old, living in New York City. My dad was coaching me in a small league in Central Park.

What’s the appeal?

I was a competitive swimmer until I was 11 or 12. Once I started playing soccer, I realized that I liked being on a team more than just competing as an individual. I like having the support of my teammates behind me and being able to connect with more people. I enjoy the sport, but I also enjoy the people that I get to be around. On the field I can hear my family cheering from the sidelines, in the pool I couldn’t hear anyone at all. 

What's your best skill on the field?

As I’ve matured and gotten older, I’ve realized that my ability to lead is my best skill, rather than something with my feet. On my club teams, I’ve always been a captain. I’ve always been proud of my ability to help my teammates and support them as a leader. 

What are you working on to improve?

I’ve been working more on the mental side of my game, rather than the physical aspect of it. Obviously, the skill side of the game is key, but I tend to get in my own head a lot, so I’ve tried to focus on the mental part this year. I’ve been listening to podcasts before my games to calm myself and know that I’m confident in my abilities on the field and can play freely.

What’s your favorite soccer memory?

This is a tough one. One of my favorites is from around a year ago, when I was playing for the New York Soccer Club at a college showcase in California. I’d gotten completely taken out on a slide tackle by this girl on the other team and my ankle was toast. My coach came over to me on the bench and asked to see my ankle. He picked it up, slapped it and said “You’ve got this kid. You need to put one in the net.” We were down 2-1 at the time. I got back on the field and somehow scored two goals.

What’s your favorite food?

I never know the answer to this because I eat everything. If I had to pick, though, I’d probably go with either mac and cheese or sushi.

What’s your favorite movie or television show?

I love “Grown Ups”. I also just finished watching “Outer Banks.” I had an 11-hour plane ride where I finished every episode.

What’s your favorite school subject?

I’d have to go with math. It’s always come the most naturally to me.

What are your hobbies?

I love to cook. My parents are big cooks and they’ve taught me a lot. I cook mac and cheese, steak, burgers and pasta dishes with different kinds of sauce. I also like to draw and paint. I love running as well, when I’m not playing soccer I’m probably on the treadmill or out running somewhere. 

What's the best advice that you've received?

One of my former coaches told me “head down, eyes on the prize.” He said that if you want to achieve something, that’s how you do it. It’s one of my favorite things to remember and it’s helped me a lot.

Finish this sentence. Victoria Caiazzo is…

Determined.