Gators Soccer 2022 Senior Features start with Francesca Faraci.
Francesca Faraci Reminisces on a Florida Journey
Thursday, September 1, 2022 | Soccer
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By: Asia Cymone Smith
Francesca Faraci has taken a unique position with Florida soccer over the years. Although her experience has been far from standard, she credits the program and her teammates for giving her hope through even her hardest moments. Now early in her senior season, Faraci is fueled by a grateful heart.
The goalkeeper has spent three seasons with the Gators, but didn't see the field as a freshman or sophomore. Instead, Faraci's played a deeper role on the team that expanded beyond the playing field.
"Becky [Burleigh] recruited me to come to Florida for the person I am, the leader I am and to bring leadership qualities to the team. And so that was always a big role of mine," says Faraci.
She prides herself as a supportive teammate and good friend for the teammates around her.
Faraci's positive attitude shines through to her peers, and she has made heartwarming relationships with her teammates. The friends Faraci has made hold a special place in her heart, as they've saved her from many of her darkest times.
"I've been pretty low and depressed at times, which I think a lot of college athletes experience. The people in the program honestly saved my life. They never give up on me. And they do everything to make sure I'm okay and always check in," says Faraci.
Each year has been full of diverse challenges for Faraci. From coaching changes and a global pandemic which added mental health challenges, Faraci has battled a lot of hard fights. But the people around her have helped her through it all.
"I've wanted to quit. I wanted to give up so many times," says Faraci, "But the friendships and relationships I've developed… that is the part for me that I couldn't give up."
Although Faraci struggled to find value in her place on the team, she has always been inspired by the friends she has to continue on. Her love for the University of Florida is strong because of the care she has felt from the people around her. Faraci is especially thankful to Becky Burleigh for recruiting kind individuals that Faraci holds dear to her, including her best friend Kouri Peace and former goalkeeper Susi Espinoza. She also credits her strength coach, Karin Werth, for always encouraging her and helping her get into the best shape of her life. Every individual who has been there for Faraci over the years gave her energy when she was down. Now, she hopes to stay energized to end her Florida career on a high note.
"You know, sometimes as a college athlete, you're really drained. But the people around you, the coaches, the academic advisors, everyone else that's involved including the athletic trainers, the strength and conditioning coach, all help with the refueling process. And I would say my experience at Florida has had a lot of things taken out, and then a lot of things put back in. And I hope that this year, it's just the consistency put back in," she says.
In this season as a senior, Faraci plans to focus on her leadership skills to help with the rebuilding of the program. She plans on being courageous, brave and speaking up whenever it feels necessary.
"I don't have to be the captain. I don't have to be the big leader on the team," says Faraci, "But I want to do it so that other people can continue to allow Gator soccer to have the legacy of a person over a player."
While it will be hard for Faraci to leave her longtime friends and those she's bonded with such as Maddy Pirrello, setting an example for the future of the program is her most valued goal. Francesca Faraci participated in a journalism-focused internship in the summer of 2021. She shared what she learned at a Hawkins Center presentation.
Faraci is studying sports and media journalism with plans of attending law school in the future. Her goal is to work with professional women in sports as an agent, helping them get the contracts they deserve.
"I'm really passionate about helping women specifically. And I like building relationships with people and it's so important in the sports agency world," she says.
This Gator doesn't know where law school will take her yet, but she does know that she will work hard, no matter where she is at.
Members of the UAA have been especially meaningful in Faraci's journey as a student-athlete. Her tutor Shelby Boehm has worked with her over the years, and Faraci describes her as encouraging and caring.
"She doesn't care just about academics. She cares about how I'm doing as a person. I've already promised her a seat at my graduation," says Faraci.
With her tutor being one of many valuable relationships Faraci has found in Gainesville, she admires the effort the UAA puts into selecting people within the athletic department.
"I really appreciate the University Athletic Association has put in time to pick tutors that care about their athletes, because my tutor cares about me so much and I literally love her to death," says Faraci.
Outside of her relationships on campus, Faraci has found friends while going to Gainesville area yoga and cycle facilities. Taking classes help Faraci manage stress and anxiety, and a fellow cycle enthusiast and instructor, Matthew Burke, encourages Faraci to keep going even through the struggles of school and sport.
With everything Florida has contributed to Faraci's life, the thought of graduating leaves her with a bittersweet feeling, especially when it comes to leaving the people she cares about.
"It's hard, because I am very excited to move forward with my life and do something that I'm super passionate about, working towards my goal. But I'm a little scared to live my life without some of my good friends," says Faraci.
Although leaving provides some feelings of apprehension, she is confident her UF experience has provided her with life-long friendships.
In her highest and lowest moments, Faraci's had wonderful people surrounding her to make her college experience full of love and learning. Faraci credits her family for supporting her throughout her whole journey.
"My mom, dad and sister are my rock. They're my people. They pushed me through my doubts," she says, "I feel like when I graduate, they're right next to me on the stage, and they're graduating with me because they did it with me. And without them, I wouldn't have been able to do any of this."
Although being a collegiate athlete has challenges, Faraci encourages others to know that they can make it through all of the hardships.
Her final takeaway is: "You can do it. No one's gonna knock you out. And your friends are going to help refuel you. It's gonna be okay."
