Culver City High School senior Hayley Pina and the defending United World Games Soccer Tournament champion USA Stripes will play in the Under-19 Women’s San Marino Cup soccer tournament, July, in Italy.
Pina played a significant role last June in the American squad’s title run in Austria, according to her mom, Jill.
The varsity team captain earned the “Most Valuable Player” award at the recent Culver High girls’ soccer banquet. Pina, a scholar athlete, was named to the Ocean League First Team with Centaur teammates Daniella Gutierrez (co-captain) and Megan Gerez.
Pina’s national coaches offered her a scholarship to the University of South Carolina, Beaufort (USCB), where they coach. She signed a letter of intent on senior day at Jerry Chabola Stadium in February during the league finale against Beverly Hills.
“Hayley’s last varsity league soccer game was both memorable and rewarding. We are so proud of her,” said Jill Pina.
After Pina graduates from Culver High on June 13, and following her return in July from the world tournament in Italy, the four-year varsity letterman will start classes at USCB and begin playing college soccer on August 21.
Scouted at a college club showcase tournament last year in Las Vegas by American International Sports Team coaches, Pina agreed to play in the United World Games Soccer Tournament in Austria last June. She devised and sold “Dare to Dream” bracelets to help her pay for the 10-day trip, which included stops in Germany and Italy.
She excelled in a scrimmage, prompting her coaches, both of whom coach at USCB, to roster her on both American teams.
Pina visited the USCB campus last August after the world tournament.
“Hayley really liked the campus and the people,” said Jill Pina.
The Culver City High School girls’ soccer team (8-1-1 in league, 13-6-3 overall) finished second in the Ocean League behind champion Santa Monica. South Torrance blanked the Centaurs, 2-0, in the first round of CIF playoffs after a scoreless first half.