Athlete of the Week: Giovanni Veloquio, GGS Soccer Academy

At 10 years old, Giovanni Veloquio has played a pivotal role on Ocoee’s Golden Goal Sports Soccer Academy’s U11 2015 Boys Gold team. 

He has played soccer for seven years and celebrated an accomplished U11 season with a first-place finish at the Region B Finals of the Commissioner’s Cup in March, which advanced the team to the statewide finals. The team went on to win the Commissioners Cup State Championship in a penalty shootout 6-5 Sunday, April 26. 

After winning the state championship, the team won the Disney Memorial Day tournament Monday, May 25. Veloquio’s dedication to improve himself all season and his hunger to win was a huge part of the team’s overall success. He will continue to work on his craft as summer training occurs to return as an even more well-developed young soccer player.

“Every great team has players who inspire those around them, and Giovanni has been exactly that for our 2015 Boys Gold team,” said Marconi Machado, co-founder and director of operations. “His passion for the game, commitment to improving every day and desire to win have been instrumental in our path to the state championship. Beyond his goals and performances, it is his work ethic and love for his teammates that truly make him special. We are proud to call him a GGS player and look forward to watching his legacy continue to grow.”

What do you enjoy most about soccer? 

I enjoy soccer because it is fun, and I win trophies.

When did you start soccer, and why did you join? 

I started soccer in 2019, and I joined because my two brothers played, so I wanted to.

What is your biggest accomplishment in soccer?  

(I) won the Commissioner’s Cup. 

What has soccer taught you? 

It has taught me how to play as a team and to never give up.

How would you describe yourself as a teammate? 

Good, friendly and supportive. 

What advice would you give someone who just joined soccer? 

To never give up and keep your head up.

If you were a coach, what speech would you give the team? 

To never give up, do your best and have fun. 

What is your pre-game ritual? 

(Saying) “Let’s go guys we can win this” and never give up. If you lose the ball, get it back.

If you could pick a different sport, what would it be? Why? 

Basketball because my dad use to play it, and I play it sometimes with my brother and it is fun.

What is something new you’d like to learn? 

How to become better at soccer. 

Where would you want to live if you weren’t in Florida? 

Brazil. 

If you won the lottery, what would you do with the money? 

Travel, buy a house, help my family, have a soccer academy and help kids in need. 

What is your favorite holiday memory? Why? 

Christmas because you get presents. 

What future career do you want to have?

Soccer player. 

If you became famous, for what would it be? 

Helping my family and kids. 

If you had to pick a spirit animal, which would you choose? 

Dog. 

What is your perfect day? 

A day at the beach, where it’s nice and sunny. 

Why did you choose your jersey number?

I chose number 10 because of Lionel Messi. He is someone who inspires me and someone I look up to.