The women’s soccer team has been off to a hot start this season with a current record of 5-3-0. Part of the reason for the Wildcat’s success has been freshman defenseman, Tori Alfero. 

Alfero has played soccer since she was four years old and says being surrounded by her family and friends has been an integral part to her success. Having faced the setback of an ACL injury her sophomore year of high school, Alfero has preserved and demonstrated good sportsmanship on and off the field.

Alfero grew up in Plantation, Florida, and played soccer for a club travel team. 

“My family is very involved with sports,” Alfero said. “My parents always encouraged me to play all different sports as a kid, and my dad even coached some of them. My family always has my best interests at heart and have provided me with the opportunities to become the athlete that I am. ” 

Her mother was the team manager, which kept Alfero rooted in staying passionate and dedicated to the game she loves. When her older brother, Jarret, went on to play collegiate lacrosse at Rutgers University, she recognized how important hard work was to achieving her own goals. This became especially prominent her junior year when Alfero suffered an ACL and meniscus injury.

“It wasn’t only a physical setback, but a mental one,” says Alfero. “I think that going through something like that has helped me become stronger, more confident and has made me the player I am today.” 

This is Alfreo’s first season with Villanova women’s soccer, and she is joined by four of her lifelong soccer friends on Villanova’s team this fall.

“I came into Villanova this year very eager to help the team succeed, Alfero said. “My expectations for this season are to be a better team than last year and to contribute in any way that I can.”