Carle Place girls soccer player Daniella Correia is Newsday's Athlete of the Week
Daniella Correia of the Carle Place girls soccer team on Tuesday in Carle Place. Credit: Kelvin Loarca
Daniella Correia always strives for greatness. However, that pursuit has come with its fair share of obstacles.
In a Carle Place girls' soccer win over Lynbrook, Correia believed she didn't play up to her standard because she didn't play at her best, as any athlete would. But rather than dwell on it and be down on herself, she decided to move forward.
"They're a pretty good team, so I had a bit of a tough game," Correia said. "It wasn't my day, but I knew the next game I had to make up for it."
In the following game, she joined good company.
The sophomore striker scored five goals and dished out an assist to lead the Frogs (5-3) to a 6-3 win over Wheatley in Nassau A/B-II last Wednesday, tying the school's all-time goals scored in a game with Leah Iglesias, who set it in 2018, according to Carle Place athletic director Justin Block.
Correia is Newsday's Athlete of the Week.
"I knew I had to change it up against Wheatley," Correia said. "Wheatley is a really good team, and there was a lot of pressure, but I like to play under pressure. It helps me push harder."
"She was able to come into this game, shake it off, and score five goals," coach Steve Cadet said. "She could’ve had eight or nine in that game, but their goalie made some incredible saves."
Cadet praised Correia's mentality, saying she has a drive like no other.
"She's very coachable," Cadet said. "She wants to learn. She looks you in the eyes, and you can tell she's taking it in."
Correia, a multisport athlete, also plays basketball in the winter and lacrosse in the spring. She says all three sports teach her the importance of dedication, leadership, and hard work.
"It taught me that even if you think you can't do something, if you push yourself and try your hardest, you'll benefit from it," Correia said. "I've learned a lot, and it taught me how to be more of a leader."
In addition to her performances, Correia maintains a 3.7 GPA.
"I'm always staying on top of my classes," Correia said. "I take my time and study when I get home and try not to procrastinate. Whenever I have free time, that's when I like to do schoolwork."
Correia and the rest of the Frogs often volunteer for community service. They donated school supplies to the Cleary School for the Deaf, sewed blankets and donated them to the Ronald McDonald House, and are going to walk in the Making Strides Walk at Jones Beach to support breast cancer research. They have currently raised more than $1,000 for the cause.
"I love giving back to the community," Correia said. "Whenever we have the chance to, we do it because they'll do everything for us. We play in front of great fans. They always come to our games and support."
Jonathan Ruban covers high school sports for Newsday after graduating from St. John’s.
