In the world of collegiate athletics, few stories resonate as powerfully as that of Celia De Diego, a standout player whose journey through women’s soccer reflects extraordinary talent, resilience, and determination. Currently in her senior year, De Diego has established herself as a formidable force on the field, earning widespread recognition for her hard work and dedication.
Last season, De Diego made a significant impact by starting in all 18 games, scoring an impressive 15 goals and providing six assists. This remarkable performance not only led her team but also positioned her as a dominant figure in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC), where she excelled in goals, assists, and total points.
A standout moment came during a game against Hollins, where she tied the program record by netting five goals. This achievement showcased her scoring prowess and solidified her status as one of the premier forwards in the league.
Recognition followed suit. De Diego earned the coveted title of ODAC Player of the Week on two occasions, September 25 and October 23, and was named to the All-ODAC Second Team. Her contributions did not go unnoticed; she was also honored with the Junior Female Class Athlete of the Year award and the prestigious Barbara Kushubar Female Student-Athlete of the Year Award at the Night of Champions ceremony. Furthermore, her academic diligence earned her a spot on the ODAC All-Academic Team and the VaSID Academic All-State Team, highlighting her commitment both on and off the field. Through all her success, she emphasizes that the people she surrounds herself with have significantly impacted her experiences.
“I’ve learned how crucial the people you surround yourself with are and how quickly time passes. It has changed my view on what to prioritize in life,” she noted.
The foundation for her success was laid during her sophomore year, where she appeared in 15 games, starting 11 and contributing seven goals and three assists. This performance earned her a selection to the College Sports Communicators Academic All-District team, as well as continued recognition on the ODAC All-Academic Team.
Reflecting on some of her greatest achievements, De Diego stated, “Making connections and becoming self-disciplined have been incredibly rewarding during my time here.”
Her collegiate career began with a stellar freshman year in 2021, where she made an immediate impact by leading her team with 15 goals and 31 points in just 14 games. This impressive debut earned her the title of USA South Conference Rookie of the Year and a place on both the USA South All-Conference First Team and the East Division First Team. Notably, she scored in every one of Averett’s first 12 games, including a hat trick and three game-winning goals. Her efforts were further recognized when she was named Co-Rookie of the Year by the Virginia Sports Information Directors and received First Team All-State honors.
Looking ahead, De Diego expressed her ambition for post-graduation, noting that she “wants to find an aviation job in the States.” This passion hints at a future that extends beyond the soccer field, and her dedication to balancing sports and academics is fueled by the unwavering support of her friends and family.
“They push me to do well on and off the field; I wouldn’t be where I am today without that support system,” she emphasized.
To incoming freshmen, she advises, “Have fun and enjoy the people. It’s an amazing time to make lasting memories.”
As she looks forward to the rest of her soccer season, her goal is to “have fun and get to 100 points,” reflecting both her competitive spirit and her desire for enjoyment in the game.
In a competitive landscape, De Diego stands out not only for her skills on the field but also for her leadership and commitment to excellence. As she forges ahead, there’s no doubt that her legacy will inspire future generations of athletes at Averett and beyond.
