(Photo courtesy Nina Medeiros)
Nina Medeiros
Nina Medeiros is a junior student-athlete at Dean College studying communications. Soccer has always been her passion. Growing up in a Portuguese family, Soccer was an integral part of her culture, and she has been playing since she was just four years old. The joy and happiness she feels from playing the game keeps her coming back for more. She has previously played in recreational and competitive leagues, her state district team, and she has continued to play throughout her college career. "Soccer is more than just a game to me, it's a part of who I am", Medeiros stated.
Medeiros started playing soccer when she was four years old in a recreational league in the town over from her. Then, she started playing for a club team when she was 12 and her state's district team when she was 17. Outside of soccer, Medeiros loves taking photos and sharing them. She even has her own brand, Nina Medeiros Media, where she shares all the images she has captured.
Medeiros' soccer role model is Julie Ertz. Although Ertz has recently retired, Medeiros has followed her journey with the U.S. Women's Soccer National team since the beginning and has been able to see how much she has grown as a player and as an individual. When she decided to attend Dean College, it was a mix of both the soccer program and her major. Medeiros knew when searching for a school that she wanted to go into communications with a focus on media studies.
After touring Dean and meeting with head coach Ashley Magruda-Wood to learn more about the soccer program, Medeiros knew this was a place where she could thrive and grow. In addition, the quote that represents Nina is "Positive Vibes Only," which everyone wants when playing any sport.
When asked if she has any advice for the incoming female student's soccer players, Medeiros stated, "Never lose sight of why you're playing in college. The love for the game is what has driven you towards continuing to play the game. There's going to be days where it's going to be hard, but you can't forget to have fun and keep that love for the game close to you." Medeiros' love for the game is undeniable and even has dreams of playing professionally.
More importantly, Medeiros wants to use her skills in digital content creation and marketing to work in the sports social media/marketing world. With her passion for Soccer and her expertise in digital marketing, Medeiros has worked hard to make herself a perfect candidate to help sports organizations succeed in today's digital age.
Lastly, Soccer has been more than just a sport for Medeiros as it has helped her build lifelong relationships. Through playing Soccer, Medeiros has not only found friends but a second family whom she can rely on. The teammates she has met at Dean have become some of her closest friends.
Spending time together on and off the field has allowed us to form meaningful bonds beyond just playing a game.