From Reporter to Soccer Dad: My Daughter’s Inspiring Journey from CYO to College Commitment

The nickname “dadiger” often comes my way. My wife coined it, and it describes what I do outside of work. Honestly, I’m not even sure how to spell it. It’s just a fun, made-up word. But it fits because when I’m not writing or helping our team at Delaware Online/The News Journal, I’m busy being a travel soccer dad for my daughter, Isabella.

Isabella’s soccer journey began at age 4 when she joined the CYO team at Holy Trinity School in Pennsylvania. Initially, we signed her up to keep her active. But her love for the sport surprised us. Over the years, she grew from a CYO player to a competitive force on the field. For a decade, she played against teams from other local Catholic schools. Eventually, we knew club soccer was her next step.

The travel was real—weekends and weeknights filled with games and practices throughout Pennsylvania and nearby states. Playing for an elite club means commitment, not just for Isabella, but our whole family. The effort paid off. After the pandemic, her team ventured to Austin, Texas, to compete nationally—a huge milestone.

Recent statistics show that youth soccer participation rose by 11% post-COVID (source: U.S. Youth Soccer Association). This surge reflects the rise in youth sports’ popularity as families seek to get back to normalcy. Each tournament gave us a chance to travel, bond, and discover new places, often with Isabella’s younger sister Sophie and our little one, Emily-Rose, joining the adventures.

This year, after countless games, Isabella received a scholarship to play at Arcadia University. It’s a dream come true. The dedication she’s shown through her years of hard work shows in her success. Her accomplishments didn’t just bring personal joy; seeing her light up after a win or celebrating a teammate’s goal has been priceless for our family.

Today, it’s clear how sports can shape character and communities. Soccer taught Isabella resilience, teamwork, and the value of hard work. As her dad, I’m proud. Every game, every trip, reinforced our bond and provided cherished memories. Years from now, when we aren’t on the sidelines, we’ll still hold those moments close.

For more on youth sports trends, visit this link.

About the Author:
Anthony DiMattia is an engagement specialist with Delaware Online/The News Journal.

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