When Alexis Missimo (#11 top row) sets her mind to something, she goes after it with heart and hustle. There is no middle ground for this world-class athlete. What’s on her mind now? One day earning a spot on the United States Women’s National Team.
This fierce footballer is already well on her way. Before Alexis even started eighth grade, she had accepted a full scholarship to play soccer for the University of Texas at Austin. Now this 17-year-old Southlake Carroll student athlete is currently ranked as the No. 1 U17 player in the nation by TopDrawer Soccer — and she’s getting stronger, faster and smarter every time she steps onto the pitch.
SOCCER STAR RISING
Alexis’ natural talent has shone through since childhood. She started playing select soccer for Solar Soccer Club at age 10 and has journeyed all over the world to compete at the highest levels. For the past six years, Alexis has been a United States National Team fixture, representing America in Germany, Belgium, Canada, South Korea, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Netherlands, England, Mexico and Portugal. She even has citizenship status in England to make it easier to play abroad.
Last fall, Alexis was invited to train with the Manchester City Women’s Football Club (MC-WFC) in England. MCW-FC’s roster includes some of the world’s most elite soccer players, including nine women who played for England’s Women’s World Cup team that lost to the United States last summer.
The honor of training with some of the best women in the sport wasn’t lost on Alexis. She counts the opportunity to train with MCWFC among her proudest accomplishments.
“It was such an amazing experience,” she says. “I was nervous because I was playing against half the team from England’s club. Once I got on the field, though, I let my training produce.”
This mental strength is a byproduct of the discipline, hard work and focus that she puts in every day. Even with team practices halted amid COVID-19, Alexis continues with her individual training regimen.
“I don’t take a day off,” she says. “Nothing has stopped soccer-wise for me. I train with my dad every day.”
Alexis’ dad and coach, Derek Missimo, has championed her efforts and potential from the very beginning, teaching her, training her and inspiring her to do her best.
“Alexis’ maturity and professional approach to training has intensified with age,” he says. “All these experiences have underscored her drive and commitment to graduate high school a year early to be in a position to take advantage of these opportunities, including the FIFA U17 World Cup in India in November.”
Adrian Solca, Solar’s director of coaching, has worked with Derek to help refine and develop Alexis’ talent. Adrian knew Alexis had a gift for soccer when he began coaching her 12 years ago. “As a coach and someone who has worked in soccer all my life, I knew from the beginning that Alexis was special. It’s hard to miss a champion,” he says. “The challenge now is figuring out how to make the best better. It’s not easy to do.”
Adrian relies on Alexis to tap into her training every time she takes the field. He commends her quick thinking and her ability to identify solutions ahead of time.
“She has a big capacity to learn and adapt. She’s super comfortable on the ball, she can score goals with her left foot and her right foot, and she can see her options quicker than anyone I know,” Adrian says. “As a player, she shines during the key moments of a game. She takes initiative and makes a difference.”
However, it’s not just her soccer ability that makes Alexis a standout.
“She’s a great person who makes people around her better,” Adrian adds. “Her character will make her successful in everything she does in life.”
While Alexis has already accrued countless impressive accolades, including being named the U.S. Girls Development Academy 2019 Player of the Year and earning recognition as the nation’s leading scorer with 62 goals and 49 assists in only 31 games, she doesn’t brag about it. Her humility is one of her best qualities, according to her dad.
“In a time of self-promotion on social media, Alexis is incredibly humble, knowing soccer is what she does, but it’s not who she is,” Derek says.
WIDE-OPEN POSSIBILITIES
With Alexis on track to graduate high school a year early and move on to UT, the world is at her feet. She’s not sure what she wants to study yet, but she’s grateful for those who have helped her along the way.
“My teachers are incredible,” Alexis says. “Without them working with me, I wouldn’t have the grades I do. I also work with a wonderful tutor who helps me get to know the material.”
It’s not easy balancing school and soccer commitments, but Alexis has always been up to the challenge.
“I’m a perfectionist. I want to give 100%,” she says. “When I get on the field, I want to get better every day.”
Whatever Alexis does, she does full out and all-in. That’s why, in soccer and in life, there’s no doubt this rising star will be a stratospheric success.