Alyssa VanPelt, Staff Writer
Alexia Michitti spoke in a virtual event this last week on, “Breaking Barriers: A Journey of Strength, Resilience, and Empowerment.” Michitti is an alumnus of SUNY Oneonta. Michitti was born without a right hand, but that was never going to stop her from playing soccer during her time at Vestal High School.
A September 2023 article written, “Student Soccer Star to Compete Internationally,” highlights Michitti’s achievements at such a young age. While in high school, she “served as captain and helped lead her teammates to three Section IV championships,” according to this article. After high school, she attended SUNY Broome where she would play DIII soccer. It was at this college that she got to meet and interview Eli Wolff who introduced her to the American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA).
The AASA is an affiliate of the United States Soccer Federation. On their official website, they state in their mission statement, “The American Amputee Soccer Association (AASA) is dedicated to promoting and developing the sport of amputee soccer in the United States. Our mission is to provide individuals with limb differences the opportunity to engage in competitive soccer, fostering a sense of community, empowerment, and athletic excellence. Through inclusive programs, coaching, and nationwide events, we aim to inspire and support amputees in achieving their fullest potential both on and off the field.”
Alexia Michitti is living this mission. The article, “Student Soccer Star to Compete,” features some dialogue from Paige Palazzolo, the head coach of the National Women’s Amputee Soccer Team. Palazzolo states, “This moment is not only huge for Alexia, it’s huge for amputee soccer, period. As the first person to make a women’s team and a regular national team roster, she’s making a statement for amputee athletes and women around the world. And she’s so humble. She’s an incredible role model for women, people with limb differences, kids, everybody.”
After Michitti receives her Associate of Arts and Sciences from SUNY Broome, she transfers to SUNY Oneonta in the Fall of 2023. For the upcoming 2023 Amp Futbol Cup, according to the article, Michitti would practice with the SUNY Oneonta men’s soccer team where she would serve as a goalkeeper. The Amp Futbol Cup of 2023 took place in Warsaw between September 16th and 17th. According to the AASA website, this is “the first officialWAFF-sanctioned international women’s amputee soccer match took place September 17th, 2023 in Warsaw, Poland.” The U.S. national team for women, with Alexia Michitti as a goalkeeper, took on Poland’s national team.
An article written by Fox8, “U.S. Women’s National Amputee Soccer Team Grabs Silver in Inaugural WAFF Women’s Amputee Soccer World Cup,” highlights their most recent achievements in their 2024 season. Fox8 reports, “The U.S. team dominated the group stage, defeating Ukraine 4-0 and Ecuador 5-0.” Their final match took place in Columbia against the Columbian team. Unfortunately, Columbia would win with a narrow point gap of 2-1. However, Michitti had an excellent performance, according to Fox8, “Additionally, Alexia Michitti earned the prestigious Golden Glove Award for her outstanding performance, allowing just one goal during regular play and only four goals on 14 penalty attempts across three shootouts.” It is an honor to have Michitti as an alumni from SUNY Oneonta. As people report, she is exceptional and a great leader. She truly is breaking barriers and uplifting those around her while she does.
Leave a Reply