Naya de Melo

Achievements & Leadership - Team Captain & #10 – Named Captain Beginning Sophomore Year - Current Junior at Kingswood Oxford School - Varsity Starter Since Freshman Year – Kingswood Oxford School (NEPSAC) - 2× State Cup Champion – Premier Level - ODP East Regional Team - Selected to attend the ODP National Team ID Event in Florida - 3+ Years as a Center Referee for Youth-Level Matches Player Profile - Versatile attacking and midfield player with substantial experience playing the 7, 11, 10, 8, 6, and False 9 - Primary/preferred positions: 7, 11, and 10 - Comfortable playing in both possession-based and direct attacking systems - Experienced playing on both sides of the field and in central attacking roles - Strong understanding of multiple positions allows me to read the game and adapt quickly to what the team needs - Competitive, technical, creative, and willing to work on both sides of the ball Leadership - Named Team Captain as a Sophomore and continues in a leadership role as a Junior - Wears the #10 jersey - Leads through communication, work rate, competitiveness, and accountability - Comfortable taking responsibility during important moments of a match - Vocal presence on the field who communicates constantly with teammates - Willing to play whatever position or role the team needs - Focused on making the players around her better Technical & Attacking Strengths - Creative Attacking Player – Comfortable creating chances, taking players on, and contributing defensively - Excellent First Touch – Comfortable receiving under pressure and in tight spaces - Two-Footed Player – Confident turning, passing, crossing, and finishing with either foot - Strong 1v1 Ability – Comfortable attacking defenders from wide and central positions - Passing & Vision – Able to recognize and execute through balls and combinations in the attacking third - Finishing – Comfortable finishing with either foot and from different attacking positions - Quick in Tight Spaces – Uses technical ability, agility, and awareness to play through pressure Off-the-Ball Strengths - High Soccer IQ – Reads space, pressure, teammates, and defensive positioning well - Well-Timed Runs – Makes runs to create scoring opportunities, stretch defenses, and create space for teammates - Quick & Agile – Particularly effective in tight spaces - Strong Communication – Vocal and constantly engaged with teammates - High Work Rate – Competes for every ball and contributes defensively - Urgency in Key Moments – Quickly recognizes set plays, transitions, and opportunities to restart play - Competitive & Resilient – Willing to battle for possession and stay involved throughout the game Futsal Experience I played futsal for many years, and it has been an important part of my development as a soccer player. Playing in tight spaces helped me develop: - Faster decision-making - Quicker passing and combinations - A stronger first touch - Better 1v1 ability - Improved finishing - Greater comfort receiving and playing under pressure International Experience Trained and competed in England with my high school team, including matches against English academy/premier club competition. The experience exposed me to a different style and pace of play and gave me the opportunity to compete outside of the United States. Refereeing Experience I have 3+ years of experience as a Center Referee for youth-level soccer matches. Being responsible for managing games has strengthened several areas of my development as both a player and leader: - Developed a deeper understanding of the Laws of the Game - Improved my ability to read the game and anticipate play - Strengthened my communication and leadership skills - Learned to make quick, confident decisions under pressure - Developed experience managing players, coaches, and challenging game situations - Improved my ability to remain composed and focused in high-pressure situations - Gained a different perspective of the game that has helped improve my overall soccer IQ Refereeing has made me a more complete player because I have learned to see the game from both the player's and referee's perspective. What Coaches Say About Me “Her being there has already made the team better. I've never seen a more determined player.” “She is the type of player I would like to build the program around — comfortable with the ball at her feet, willing to take defenders on and a non-stop work rate. I was very impressed with her Sunday!” — Coach Sal, Kingswood Oxford, after watching Naya play for the first time “I like the fact that you were willing to play in whatever role was needed of you. It shows dedication. I think you can be a leader in this program. You are a very strong player and you lead from the front and make others around you better by giving it your all every time. Keep it up.” — Coach Jake, ODP “Crafty player. Fun to watch.” “Naya will find a way to make it happen.” — Coach Orlando “She's a game changer and connects with her teammates really well.” What Opposing Coaches Say “Your daughter is a good player. She works very hard and is a very technical player. She gave us a hard time.” “You played good, kid.” Feedback on My Refereeing “Hey, I just wanted to say how incredible Naya was reffing my daughter’s game. She has such a sweet spot with little kids, teaching them and keeping a good sense of humor and patience! I'm also so glad she saw my daughter’s first goal ever! Tell her great job and thank you from all the parents who appreciated her explaining things to all the girls.” — Parent following a youth match I refereed