Doria headed to Duke in the fall

Doria headed to Duke in the fall
April 28, 2010
When Gilda Doria grows weary of her relentless on-the-ball workouts; when she’s done all she can with her trainer and there aren’t any matches or trainings to report to, Doria turns to a (wo)man’s best friend.

That’s when she plays soccer with her cocker spaniel, Gege. It’s in the yard where the two players combine with touches and runs – Gilda prancing and Gege panting; Gilda heading and Gege tailing.

Hey, Doria has to get her kicks in and if she has to turn to a competitor with two strong right feet to get it, than that’s just fine by her.

elite girls club soccer player gilda doriaDoria (right) competing for Team Boca.
Soccer runs through Doria’s bloodline with all the intensity of Doria splitting an opposing defense.

Born in Paraguay, South America, Doria’s roots are a major influence that has not been lost on her.

“Soccer is a major contributor to the rich culture of Paraguay, as it is with many neighboring countries like Brazil and Argentina,” Doria explained. “My dad was raised in Paraguay, and he grew up surrounded by this infectious environment that was passed on to me.

“Many tend to say: ‘at the end of the day it’s just a ball;’ but it’s not just a ball to me, it’s a future filled with dreams and goals that I have always wanted to come true.”

That, in a nutshell, is Doria.

When you see her on the field playing with her club Team Boca (Florida), or in the yard zigzagging with the family dog you see the passion she has. It’s her greatest attribute – with her ball skills and aggressive nature running a close second.

Team Boca finished second in Region III Premier League behind GSA with state cup looming in early May. A fast-attacking group, Doria is the perfect centerpiece for the team.

Her skills have been honed from the time she started playing recreationally at the age of five and then later on a travel squad at eight. And even then, Doria always had an ambitious purpose for playing. She’s headed to Duke this fall and candidly states: “I’ve been preparing for this in every practice since I was five.”

“This is a culmination of all the practices I have done over the years. I am very excited about joining the program.”

She will bring with her a resume that includes U.S. national camp appearances – she was invited most recently in January of 2009 – as well as a strong presence in Region III competition. Doria accompanied the Region III elite team to Costa Rica where she recorded a goal and an assist in a notable 2-2 tie with Chile.

She has flourished while playing alongside other region standouts like Taylor Smith, Kaili Torres, Morgan Brian, Kelsey Shimmick, Carson Pickett and Heather Magee.

But then, Doria has already proven she can play with any teammate; that she can flourish with many a mammal.
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