SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, playing the game at the international level, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Mia Olenek, who plays for Rockford Raptors FC in the ECNL, and has verbally committed to play NCAA Division I soccer for the University of Minnesota in 2027.
SoccerWire Featured Player since June 2024.
What made you decide to verbally commit to Minnesota?
The culture at Minnesota really made me decide on my verbal. The coaches and the players were so welcoming and the training environment was very intense, which is what I think fits me best. Everyone wanted the best for each other and it looked like a family based team. Ever since I was a little girl it was always a dream of mine to play in the Power 4, so to get this opportunity to play at Minnesota in the Big 10 is a true blessing!
What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
The recruiting process was definitely stressful at times, but I was so grateful to go through the process and understand what it was like to be a D1 recruit. I definitely learned that there will be A LOT of ups and downs. I think it taught me to be mentally tough in hard situations and to just trust the process. I’ve grown a lot not only as an athlete, but as a person by dealing with adversity, learning to be patient, and waking up every day with the same discipline to work for what I want.
How do you feel your strengths on the field will help the Gophers?
I think my strengths will make a big impact with my future gopher family by wanting the best for every individual and having the “want” as a player myself. I think coming into a very new atmosphere at the next level will make me want to work even harder and being able to learn from the returners will be amazing.
What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
My favorite subjects right now are probably my marketing class and art class which is my elective. I am looking to major in marketing as of right now or sports management!
What has your experience been like playing in the ECNL for Rockford Raptors FC?
I think my experience from playing at Rockford Raptors in the ECNL has given me the opportunity to make my dreams happen! My team and I at Rockford work extremely hard day in and day out. The support I have is like no other and I couldn’t be more grateful to play the sport I love with the squad I have. I personally think ECNL is the best of the best and it has been such a great experience to compete against other very talented teams within the league.
What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
My favorite pair of cleats I ever owned are my high top Nike Mercurial Superfly elites. I am very superstitious with my swag so those cleats have always been my go to!
If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play at a high level, what would it be?
I think my best piece of advice for young athletes inspired to play at the next level is to understand that other opinions are not your opinion about yourself. It’s important to not focus on what other people think, you can only control what you can control, and if you believe in yourself with every ounce you have you’ll be untouchable. Never let someone make you doubt the dreams you have no matter how hard it gets. Put your head down and get after it every single day because nothing is impossible when you believe it can be achievable.
Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
Someone I’d like to give a shoutout to that has helped me all around is my goalkepeer coach back at my old soccer club, Luis Ramirez at Campton United. He’s had a huge role in my career and in my life all around since I was 12 years old, and I still train with him today! I’m blessed to have him as one of my mentors and guiding me to be the goalkeeper I am right now. Going through this process, he has always pushed me to work incredibly hard and to most importantly make me believe in myself. He has always believed in me no matter what and I couldn’t be more proud to call him my coach.
