I am a soccer player from Brazil. My life growing up was pretty normal. I guess it is what you expect from a kid. I played a lot of soccer, hung out with my friends all the time, and spent time with my family, too.
Growing up, I always tried to manage both athletics and academics, which is remarkably similar to what everyone does here in Northwood, so I guess doing that at a young age has helped me here at Northwood.
I actually played in a showcase at Northwood last year (2022), and I thought it had a great soccer program. I knew it was a great school by looking at it and doing some research. I saw it as an opportunity to engage in high-level athletics and academics so that I could apply to good colleges, which is what I really want to do and achieve since coming here. I talked to Coach Jon Moodey about coming here, and thankfully, everything turned into a reality, which I could not be more excited about.
I have only been here for just over a month, but I love it. I thought moving from Brazil to the U.S. was going to be a hard transition, but the Northwood community made it an extremely easy transition, so I thank everyone who has helped me during this time. Everyone was so receptive and welcoming, and that made it so easy.
Joining a new team is always scary. Since being in Brazil, when you are new, people make it hard for you to feel welcome or to feel like you belong and to be part of the team. Everyone was very kind and appeared to be glad someone new had arrived. As of now, the players have been my closest friends and have supported me on and off the pitch. They have not only been encouraging me to be a better player but a better person.
Looking past Northwood, I plan to go to a good university where I can continue playing soccer and further my academics. I am super glad I made this move and cannot wait to see what the future holds.
As told to Hamish Riddell ’26. Photo by Mr. Michael Aldridge.
