Personal Statement
I love soccer. I started playing in the US when I was very little. In 2019, my family moved to Madrid, Spain. Here, my skillset and game experience developed in ways it could not have if I’d stayed in the US. I play on a top level, federated team and face the likes of Real Madrid, Atletico Madrid, Madrid CFF, Rayo Vallecano, Getafe, etc. every season. I have also played in international tournaments against teams like PSG, FC Benfica, Valencia, Girona, Levante, and even Club America from Mexico.
My name is Sofía Menéndez, and I am a 2026 player. Until five years ago, I lived in The Woodlands (near Houston), Texas. As a 2008 player, I played on three teams: Houston Dash Woodlands 08 PA1, Houston Dash 08 City 1, and Houston Dash 07 PA1 (one of only two 2008 players). I also played for the ODP South Texas Regional Team.
While the move to Spain was difficult at first due to the language barrier and cultural differences, I earned a place on one of the top teams in Madrid (Madrid CFF), even playing up a whole age category. In my first season with the team, we were the only girls team in an all-boys league, and we finished the season in 6th place (out of 20). After two seasons with Madrid CFF, I was recruited by and joined CFF Olympia, another top Madrid team for the 2022-2023 season. I played on a team with mostly 2007 girls and was the second-highest scorer for my team. During the season, I also played many important games with Juvenil A (then composed of 2006-2004 girls). I am comfortable playing with more senior players, and this year, my coaches have permanently moved me up to Juvenil A. I’ve even played a few games with our Senior team.
The season in Spain is long. Preseason begins in late July-early August and matches are played from September until June, so I get a lot of playing time, sometimes playing in multiple games each weekend. After the season ends, we usually also play several important tournaments against international teams.
The teams here move the ball a lot, and we really focus on control, ball speed, and possession. Because I control and shoot the ball with both legs, my coaches often alternate me between the wings. I also play center forward and “media punta”, or attacking mid, on a regular basis.
Academically, I am equally focused. As a result of all of my time here and playing on a team comprised entirely of Spanish players, I’m fully fluent in Spanish. I have also been preparing for the start of IB (International Baccalaureate) next year and am keeping my grades up. In my freshman year, I earned straight As and received the Academic Excellence award. I am currently taking Honors Math, Honors French, and Honors Spanish. I am a member of the Student Council and a school ambassador. I also participate in the Medical Science Club and the Speech and Debate Club.
I am looking forward to returning to the US and playing at the collegiate level for a school that loves the game as much as I do.
