I had the chance to chat with 2025 attacking midfielder/winger Olivia Della Lucia. She talks about her soccer career so far.
Q: How long have you been playing soccer, and what positions do you usually play?
Olivia: "I have been playing soccer for my youth league (Jaguars United) since I was 4. I typically play attacking mid, holding mid, and winging either side.
Q: Can you describe your playing style and strengths on the field? What do you love most about soccer?
Olivia: "I would describe my playing style as being very focused on transition, quick passes, working quickly through the middle, and slotting balls through to wingers. My personal strengths on the field are my technical ability, my ability to read the game and make decisions, and my determination and work rate.
Q: Have you played for any club teams or participated in any tournaments or competitions? If so, which ones, and what were your experiences like?
Olivia: "I love constantly looking to improve and better myself as a person and player both on and off the field. Soccer has taught me so much and shaped me into the person I am today. I have learned to never give up on my goals, and I have also developed a very intense work ethic, which has helped me at school as well! I love the relationships with coaches and teammates. The game has brought so many people into my life that I am incredibly grateful for. Lastly, I just love playing soccer! It’s a competitive sport with so much opportunity, and I am so lucky to play in the Girls Academy League where I can face very talented competition from all over the nation!"
Q: What are your short-term and long-term goals in soccer?
Olivia: Short-term goals: I am looking to constantly improve as a player and reach my highest potential each day and when training. This year for my junior high school season at Thomas Jefferson High School, I am looking to make all sections for the third year and hopefully all WPIAL and all states! Long term: play college soccer at a school that is the best fit for me! I am currently uncommitted and looking for my perfect school!"
Q: How do you balance your commitment to soccer with your academic or work responsibilities?
Olivia: "While balance is difficult, I always make sure to make time for both school and soccer. I take my academics very seriously and always try my best in the classroom. I make the most of my free time at school and try to get a lot of work done during the school day so I have time to rest, stretch, and mentally prepare for a game or practice. I travel a lot with my Century team in the Girls Academy League, so I do a lot of homework during long car rides!"
Q: What accomplishments in your soccer career are you most proud of?
Olivia: "I am most proud of being the only freshman to win all section, and I am proud of making all section again as a sophomore. Freshman year: Individual Awards: 1st Team All-Conference, Fab 15, Newcomer of the Year Sophomore year: Individual Awards 1st Team All-Conference, Mon Valley Independent Fab 15 Breakthrough Player of the Year Team Awards Sectional Champs I'm also winning the state championship in 2019 with my cup team!"
Q: Do you have any other hobbies or interests outside of soccer?
Olivia: "I figure skate outside of soccer, and I have been doing it since I was 3! I take weekly lessons and am working toward my USYF (United States Youth Figure Skating) gold medal! I also love painting, lifting, running, kayaking, spending time in nature, listening to music, and hanging out with friends and family."
Q: Do you have a favorite pro soccer team or favorite soccer player?
Olivia: "Personally, I like Sophia Smith because she talks a lot about the mental side of soccer and balancing life as an athlete along with a human being. I find that very important."
Q: You have to sum up your soccer career in one word. What would it be?
Olivia: "Limitless because I am not done accomplishing my goals, and I feel that my soccer career has no limit!"
Check out Olivia. Her Twitter is: https://twitter.com/oliviasoccer23.
More interviews are on the way; make sure to keep an eye on the Sidelines - College Soccer Twitter and Instagram pages.