Dominique Marcelli | FIU Women's Soccer

Hometown: Toronto, Canada 
Undergraduate Major: Psychology with a minor in marketing
Postgraduate Field of Study: Master of Science in Human Resources
Current Position: Operations Manager for FIU Women’s Soccer
 
What is/was your professional path after college?
I am currently pursuing my master’s in human resources while serving as the Operations Manager for my
university team. My career goal is to work in the U.S. sports environment, where I can effectively leverage my
experience as an athlete alongside my education in psychology and human resources.
 
What do you enjoy about your current position/profession?
What I enjoy most about my current position is that it allows me to stay involved in a significant part of my
life—sports. After having to medically retire, transitioning away from playing was difficult. However, working
for the same team I once played for has shown me the true impact of collegiate sports. Being affiliated with
such an amazing program, both as a player during its early stages and now as a staff member, witnessing what
we've accomplished, is what I value most about my role.
 
What did your time as a student-athlete mean to you?
This question can mean different things to different people, as everyone’s experiences vary. For me, being a
student-athlete has been incredibly meaningful because it provided me with invaluable tools and skills that will
propel me into the next phase of my life. Over my four years, I’ve grown mentally and faced many challenges,
from being a freshman who didn’t travel, to a sophomore getting some minutes, to a junior playing one of the
most minutes on the team, and finally, a senior who had to medically retire. Having experienced nearly every
phase of a college athlete's journey, I’m proud to say it has shaped me into the person I am today.
 
What are you most proud of from your college experience?
I believe the thing I’m most proud of from my college experience isn’t the goals or awards, but being part of
building the FIU women’s soccer program. When I first arrived, FIU wasn’t recognized as a women’s soccer
school. However, through patience, hard work, and recruiting like-minded players, Coach Garbar helped us
transform the culture. Together, we turned the program around, and I’m proud to have been part of that
journey. Walking onto the field on my senior night, witnessing everything we built as a team, and knowing I
was even a small part of it, was one of the proudest moments of my college career.
 
What is your most fond memory of college athletics?
My fondest memory is scoring my first collegiate goal, not only because it marked a significant milestone in my
career but also due to the profound meaning behind the date. My grandfather passed away on August 28th,
and just a couple of years later, I found myself scoring that first goal on the same day. It was a special moment,
as I delivered one of my best performances while proudly wearing the number 28.
 
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy exploring new places, whether it's around the city or while traveling. I always bring my
camera with me because photography allows me to capture the unique details and moments that make each
place special. Whether it's a cozy coffee shop or a scenic view, I love preserving these experiences through my
lens.
 
What piece of advice would you have for current student-athletes?
I often find this to be one of the most challenging questions I encounter, but my advice is to focus on your own progress
as both an athlete and a person, rather than comparing yourself to others. Every athlete experiences different phases
throughout their collegiate career, some years may be smooth sailing, while others may take a greater mental toll. The
key to continual growth, both as an athlete and an individual, is to make your biggest competitor yourself. Aim to be
better today than you were yesterday, and suddenly, your goals will feel more attainable. In collegiate athletics, I don’t
believe in 'luck' when a coach gives you an opportunity or when you finally travel. What some may call luck is really the
result of the hard work and dedication you’ve invested in yourself.