Donya Oliviera’s first toy she ever received was a plush soccer ball. Years later, instead of that plush soccer ball, Donya uses a real one, and instead of the recreation teams that she used to play on, she is now playing for the Portuguese Women’s National Team.
When playing for Portugal’s national team, a trip out of the country might come as a shock to most people, but for Donya, she is right at home. “Both sets of grandparents and my uncle live in the Acores and we switch off visiting every year, so I’m pretty accustomed to it,” Donya remarked.
Donya will be leaving Turlock for about one month and will be leaving behind her friends, family, boyfriend, school, and town for that time. Donya admitted that it will be a challenge, but her father will be attending Portugal with her on her voyage and she will be taking along a few other essential items. “My phone!” exclaimed Donya on what items she will be taking along with her, “A necklace my boyfriend gave me and my cleats, of course.”
Besides playing for a national team, Donya recently signed onto Idaho State Division 1 soccer team. Donya felt that the coach and team were a great fit for her; she also voiced her love of the campus and their acclaimed nursing program. “I’m looking forward to being a little more independent and growing up,” Donya stated. In college, besides her busy schedule of soccer practices and games, she plans to major in nursing and then becoming an anesthetic nurse.
Donya’s accomplishments have not been earned over a short period of time. In fact, Donya started playing recreational soccer since the age of eight, and hasn’t stopped yet. Donya’s soccer experience also won’t stop with the national team, although she says that landing in Portugal’s Women’s National Team has shown that her hard work has paid off. With this new event on its way, Donya has been dutifully preparing for it by eating healthy, “Lots of fruit and water as well as two practices a day once before school, usually running, then after school practice,” states Donya about her daily itinerary.
This demanding and hectic schedule might seem absurd to some teenagers, but Donya has no regrets about any football games or birthdays (including her own) that she had to skip. Instead of these endeavors—such as football games, dances, and other events that some might call part of “a normal teenage lifestyle”—Donya has dedicated her days to soccer practice and games. When asked if these practices paid off, Donya stated, “It was all worth it.”
Although Donya has accomplished something that is a once in a lifetime event, she is still humble, and thanks her parents for supporting her all the way. Donya said, “My mom has always wanted me to be the best I can be and my dad has been my go-to guy and has helped me with everything soccer.”
As Donya enters this life-changing event, she is forever thankful for the support from her community and all those who have inspired her throughout her soccer career and life.