@CanesFutbol Captain's Corner: Nov. 14, 2016

CORAL GABLES, Fla. – For the second year in a row, the captains of the University of Miami soccer team will be writing a blog for HurricaneSports.com throughout the season called Captain’s Corner.

Monday, senior defender Gianna Dal Pozzo checked in with her final installment after two seasons a co-captain. The Naperville, Ill., native reflects on Miami’s superb 2016 season and her four-year career as a Hurricane . . .

Hello, Canes fans!

I’m sure most of you have already heard, but unfortunately we did not make it into the NCAA tournament. It was heartbreaking because I think we deserved to go. Seven teams from the ACC made it; those teams were the top six and No. 8. We finished seventh in our conference and made it to the ACC tournament.Sometimes that’s just life and there’s nothing you can do. I’m not going to let a committee who decides who goes and who doesn’t define this team.

Regardless, I couldn’t be more proud of this group of girls. We were picked to finish last in the ACC and constantly proved people wrong all season. Everyone worked so hard starting, back in the summer, to become the team we were this fall. The team was so committed and selfless. People did extra sessions almost every day and ran without being told if they didn’t play many minutes. The team always came before individuals and it was great to see. I think that’s why we were so successful.

My senior year of soccer was definitely the best and I owe it all to my teammates and coaches. On the field, we had our best year since I have been here, so that was refreshing. Even off the field, as well—team chemistry was strong and girls genuinely enjoyed each other.

The program is in a better place now than when the senior class came in as freshmen—wow, that felt so long ago—and I know it will only continue to grow. Coaches keep recruiting talented soccer players and good people, too. I’m so happy that I made the decision to play soccer at UM. It was an honor to represent The U and I am so grateful for the opportunity. I made some lifelong friends and unforgettable memories being on the soccer team.

Finally, to my parents, whom I know are reading this, thank you. You’ve supported me playing soccer from the beginning, driving me to practices and games no matter how far and sacrificing your free time and weekends to watch me play. Financially supporting me, as well—16 years of gear and trips, especially out of the country, was not cheap. Thank you for doing all that because I wouldn’t have gotten this far without you.

Thanks for reading the past two years! Stay classy, Miami.