Mia Villalpando made one of the most important decisions of her young career when she stayed with Tigres UANL Femenil and continued her path as a professional soccer player, turning down the opportunity to play at UCLA despite accepting a full scholarship.
Villalpando, 17, grew up in Bonita, California, and originally signed a U-19 contract with Tigres that allowed her to remain eligible for college. She trained in Mexico but decided to attend UCLA last fall. However, several factors tipped the scales against a move to Westwood, including the departure of Margarita Aosasa, the Bruins coach who hired her.
“The coach left for another job and that had a big impact,” Villalpando said. “I spoke with my agent and family, and although it was not an easy decision, I felt that after the minutes I played for Tigres and competing with professionals, moving to college football would be a step back in my development.”
She said she spoke with Gough Boyoko, who took over as UCLA's coach, and explained that Aozasa's departure “changed a lot for me.”
His reaction gave her peace of mind.
“The whole staff was very understanding and happy. They were sad that I didn't join them, but they supported me completely and that really helped me feel at peace with this decision,” Villalpando said.
Although education had always been a priority in her family, and she was grateful for the opportunity to attend UCLA, the season of club soccer she played before joining Tigres made her realize that she needed a tougher environment.
“In my last year with San Diego Surf, it wasn't as competitive anymore. A lot of the players who were already committed to college weren't attending practices, and I felt like in order to continue to grow and prepare, I needed a better work environment,” Villalpando said.
Her impact on the Tigres squad was immediate and exceeded all expectations. She was part of the club's recent title push in the Liga MX Apertura tournament, where the team defeated America in the final series in November.
“I was just hoping to go and train against professional players and improve. I didn't expect the minutes I got or the love I got. Being there changed a lot for me,” Villalpando said.
When deciding to attend college, she sought the opinions of others who had faced similar decisions, including a famous Tigres teammate.
“I talked to a few players and most of them told me to go to college, even if it was just for a year,” Villalpando said. “But when I talked to Maria Sanchez, she told me that the opportunities that young players have today didn't exist when she was in college, and that if she had the opportunity to go straight into professional soccer, she would have done it.”
This message strengthened her conviction.
“What I heard helped me a lot and gave me peace of mind in making this decision,” Villalpando said.
Her parents always expected their daughters to receive a higher education, but they realized that Mia could take a different path to success.
“Mia is different,” said her father, Daniel Villalpando. “She has something special and we believe she will succeed because she believes deeply in what she does.”
Despite having no formal education, Daniel said he and his wife Melody have built a strong life through hard work and effort, allowing them to keep an open mind about Mia's decision.
Mia Villalpando's family has supported her throughout this time.
(Villalpando family)
“My wife started at the bottom at Costco and today she is one step away from opening her own store. I built my company from the ground up. We showed that there are different ways to succeed, and Mia has the same mindset,” Daniel said.
They are convinced that football is not just a phase for Mia.
“Mia wants to live and breathe football. She will always be involved with the sport, whether as a player, coach or manager. That's something she is very clear about,” Melody said.
It's been an unusual year for Mia. Together with Tigres, she won the title in front of more than 45,000 fans.
“When I walked onto the field and saw all these people, I thought: 'It's true, I'm playing in the final with a professional team.' It’s a feeling that can’t be compared to anything else,” Villalpando recalls.
She also played a leading role in helping Mexico's U17 team finish third at the FIFA U17 Women's World Cup.
“Even before we got to the tournament, we knew we were going to go far. We were convinced that we would come back with something, and coming back with third place showed that we made Mexico proud,” Mia said.
Melody says her daughter is more than just the soccer player you see on the field.
“She's… strong-willed and a natural leader. She's not a follower. She's fun, cheerful and gets along with everyone. She's always been a leader, even as a child,” Melody said.
Daniel agreed and added that her leadership is reflected more in her actions than words.
Mia Villalpando's family has supported her throughout this time.
(Villalpando family)
“There are leaders who talk and leaders who act. Mia is one of those who take action. She is extremely competitive and does not tolerate defeat. She has a big heart, but she holds her values very strongly,” he said.
Videos of Villalpando's intense work sessions can be found on social media. In one post, one of her coaches explains how they ask her to rest, to “slow down a little.”
Daniel admitted that even he is surprised by how hard his daughter trains.
“I don't know where she gets so much enthusiasm. She never complains, she never makes excuses. Everyone gets tired, but she keeps going. We have to tell her to rest,” Daniel explained.
That mindset, he said, reflects the work ethic she saw at home.
Daniel and Melody faced difficulties when starting a family: Melody was only 16 when she gave birth to their first daughter. Daniel had to leave school in 10th grade to start working and support his family, and Melody finished high school with his support. They knew they had to make an effort to support their family.
“My wife and I have always worked hard and made no excuses,” Daniel said. “I think Mia found out about it without us even telling her.”
This This article first appeared in Spanish via LA Times en Español.
