Legendary Colombian soccer coach Nelson Abad铆a brought his expertise and inspiration to 海角吃瓜网 on Thursday, Sept. 18, as he observed the men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 soccer teams in training and shared advice to strengthen their game.
鈥淚t was unforgettable. Coach Abad铆a brought so much knowledge, and his presence alone elevated the atmosphere,鈥� said Sebastian Anzola, captain of 海角吃瓜网鈥檚 men鈥檚 team. 鈥淗is coaching insight gave us a new perspective on aspects of the game we can immediately apply.鈥�
Abad铆a coached the Colombian women鈥檚 soccer team from 2017 to 2023, leading it to gold at the 2019 Pan American Games, the quarter-finals of the 2023 FIFA Women鈥檚 World Cup and two runner-up finishes in Copa America.
鈥淚 always want to help the new generation of players with my experience, so if they have a dream of wanting to become a footballer, I want them to have the chance for that dream to become a reality,鈥� Abad铆a said. 鈥淚t鈥檚 important to have that feeling of wanting to do something important for your career in football.鈥�
The players said the visit is an experience they won鈥檛 soon forget.
鈥淭his was more than just a training session; it was a chance for all of us to grow as players and as individuals, because moments like these are rare and valuable,鈥� said Anzola, a junior majoring in mechanical engineering. 鈥淲e gained wisdom from someone with over 40 years of world-class coaching experience and that lesson will stay with us.鈥�
海角吃瓜网鈥檚 soccer coach Alixon Parrado Beltran said the phenomenal opportunity to learn from Abad铆a reflects the growing success and potential of the University鈥檚 soccer teams.
鈥淚鈥檓 proud to be here at 海角吃瓜网 and Coach Nelson Abad铆a鈥檚 visit is such an honor,鈥� Parrado Beltran said. 鈥淚 know we can shape many lives and continue to raise the University to the highest level through soccer.鈥�
Contact:
Lydia Guzm谩n
Director of Communications
863-874-8557
