Podcast: UNH’s Ally Giovino on making the most of an extra year of eligibility

Forward Ally Giovino possesses the ball, while playing for Colgate. (Colgate Athletics)

The latest guest on New England Soccer Journal’s “The Goal” podcast is University of New Hampshire grad student forward Ally Giovino (Westford, Mass.).

Giovino has transferred to UNH for a fifth year after a stellar four-year career at Colgate. The former All-Patriot League performer tallied 12 goals and four assists in 61 games (50 starts) at Colgate.

Prior to her college career, Giovino starred at Westford Academy and for Scorpions SC, and was actually recruited by UNH as a high schooler.

She joined host Matt Langone to discuss her journey to this point, gaining an extra year of eligibility, and why she chose to return to a New England school for her final season of college soccer.

The full podcast can be accessed below and is available on all major platforms. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and a review.

Here are some highlights from our discussion with Giovino:

On how it feels to be leaving Colgate and playing at a different school:

Giovino: “I’ve had an amazing time here at Colgate University, met a lot of amazing people and friends, teammates and coaches. I’m sad to leave it behind, but I’m very excited for my future at UNH and what’s to come when I go there.”

On how she has developed as a player over the past four years:

Giovino: “I think coming in as a freshman, the adjustment is always tough coming from club and into college. And with the COVID year (2020), it was a little bit interesting, right? It was a weird year. We did have a season in the spring (of 2021), which I was thankful for a little bit. But I think after that, just coming in and just trying my hardest, working with my work ethic and being able to create and score goals. I feel like I’ve really grown throughout my years here at Colgate, which I’m very thankful for and I’m excited to continue to do that at UNH and grow and learn more, and just become the best version of myself.”

On choosing UNH for her fifth year:

Giovino: “I was exploring a little bit just to keep my options open, see what else was out there, but I knew deep down inside that I wanted to go to UNH. (Head coach) Steve (Welham) is a great guy, and I’m excited to be coached by him. He’s fostered a great community and environment that I’m excited to be a part of. And being able to get my Master’s and finish that in a year, and play my last year of soccer was a perfect fit.”

On recruiting advice for younger players:

Giovino: “I feel like never get discouraged. I would say it can be hard, especially since so many of us were in the portal for this last year. I feel like just stay true to yourself and never get discouraged. A coach and a team will want you, and just to keep dreaming and just to keep pushing and trying to be the best that you can, because someone will want you and you will succeed at a place.”