Congrats to Giovanni Natale on winning our October 2022 UCHealth Player of the Month award!
Giovanni plays for our Rapids 07B ECNL team and at Lutheran High School as a goalkeeper. He’s known by his teammates as an exceptional goalkeeper that has maintained a 7-1 record and a 0.75 Goals Against Average in ECNL league play. He helped his team qualify for the ECNL National Championship in San Diego and went undefeated in tournament matches. At Lutheran High School, Giovanni was awarded Athlete of the Year. Along with his success at CRYSC, Giovanni will represent the Rapids as a goalkeeper for Argentina and has been chosen to attend the Olympic Development Showcase in Utah.
Off the field, Giovanni has been awarded the “Caleb Award” for demonstrating responsibility, accountability, and strong leadership skills. He was a leader for a community service project that helped clean up areas of Denver that have been neglected, a mentor helping seventh graders acclimate to middle school, and is a current CSA referee.
This November, Giovanni will be presented with a plaque and a gift card to acknowledge his achievements. We spoke with Alex to learn a bit more about him. Check out the full interview below!
What influence has soccer had in your life?
Soccer has shown and taught me that the harder you work the better you will become. In a team, everyone has a role on the field and when we all work our hardest individually and as a team, we can all accomplish great things.
Why do you believe that you were nominated for this award?
I believe that I was nominated because I believe I set a prime example for others of the Rapid’s way. I work hard to make sure I am as prepared as possible so that I can be beneficial to others while playing with them.
What do you enjoy most about playing for Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club?
What I enjoy most about playing for the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club is the family atmosphere and how we can come together as a team and club and accomplish great things. I also enjoy that the coaches have an interest in you as a player and as a person and they want to make sure that we are growing as a whole person and not just as a soccer player.
What soccer accomplishment are you most proud of?
I am most proud of getting invited by a couple of clubs from Argentina to return and play with them after I played against them this past summer. I am also proud of our ECNL team qualifying for Nationals as the #2 team in our conference with an 11-3 record and ranked #12 in the National ECNL Rankings. I look forward to our team building on that this upcoming season.
What academic achievement are you most proud of?
I am most proud of having a 4.3 GPA while playing as the Varsity Goalkeeper as a freshman
How do you think your teammates would describe you?
My teammates would describe me as a leader on and off the field while being fun and motivating to be with and be around. Someone who is very passionate and dedicated to soccer and getting better. Passionate.
What is something that shows your exemplary character, commitment to sportsmanship, community involvement, etc..?
I really enjoy helping other students that need a little extra help in their studies. I was part of a “Math Help Program” that helped students with their understanding of their math concepts. I also love to help with other goalkeeping training for younger goalkeepers. I want to pass on what others have done for me.
What’s your favorite soccer player and team?
My favorite soccer player is Alisson Becker because his playing style is how I strive to play.
What do you hope to pursue in the near future?
I hope to play for long as God blesses me to play and at as high of a level as possible. I also am interested in becoming a pilot at the US Air Force Academy.
Who inspires you and why? This can be someone famous or someone you know personally!
Gabe Johnson, the former 04 ECNL Goalkeeper, who now plays for UCCS has been a great role model and mentor for me. He has actively mentored me as a fellow ECNL Goalkeeper as well as a Varsity Goalkeeper in High School. He graduated from the high school I attend, Lutheran High School. He also was a Varsity Goalkeeper as a freshman and has given me great advice. Gabe has shown me what it takes to be an exemplary Goalkeeper as well as the importance of supporting others on and off the pitch. Gabe will have a lasting influence on me.
What else do you enjoy outside of playing for CRYSC?
I really enjoy playing all sports. I love to ski as well as play basketball, football, volleyball, and I love track and field events. Academically, I love math and sciences. I love the camaraderie of school and athletics and the ability to help lead others to succeed.
Since 2018, CRYSC and UCHealth + CU Orthopedics and Sports Medicine have worked together in an effort to grow the safety and health resources that are available for Rapids Youth players and members.
As our partnership strengthens with UCHealth, we want to work together to highlight the amazing players within the Colorado Rapids Youth Soccer Club with a monthly ‘Player of the Month’. Check out the criteria and nominate any players that deserve to be highlighted by UCHealth and CRYSC on the UCHealth Player of the Month page.
