To many high school athletes, a Division I commitment represents many years of hard work and diligence. For Talia Armando (‘27), it represents something even more meaningful than that: it represents resilience. After overcoming a brain injury that once put her dreams of playing collegiate soccer in jeopardy, the junior has committed to Seton Hall University, where she will continue her academic and athletic career playing Division I soccer. Her commitment reflects a big milestone in a recruiting journey that required preparation and patience.
Although the official recruiting process couldn’t start until June 15, Armando had already been putting in work behind the scenes. Prior to the date that the coaches could respond, she prepared emails and films in the hopes of getting her name in front of college programs. Balancing constant communication with colleges while also maintaining a strong performance on the field created pressure, especially for someone who holds herself to a high standard.
“For me, the most challenging part of the recruiting process was the pressure and time that it took,” said Armando. “Being a perfectionist, I wanted everything I did on the field to be perfect for the coaches that were watching.”
Although recruiting required patience and persistence, the greatest challenge of her athletic career came years earlier. Three years ago, Armando suffered a brain injury that caused seizures, headaches, and restricted playing time, forcing her to step away from the game that she didn’t know her life without.
“My recovery from my brain injury was definitely the hardest thing I went through,” she said. “But I’ve played soccer since I was 3 and genuinely couldn’t see my life without it.”
Despite the uncertainty regarding her health and future in the game of soccer, she chose not to give up. Rather than walking away, she devoted herself to the long process of recovery in the hopes to return back on the field.
“Now, I learned what true hard work looks like and how unpredictable life can be, making every time I step onto the field memorable,” she said. “I’m no longer playing just to play but playing for the 13-year-old girl who almost lost her soccer career.”
As she looks ahead to her future at Seton Hall, Armando hopes to continue contributing to the program. Now that she is recovered and committed, Talia Armando enters the next chapter of her soccer career not only built by achievement, but by resilience too.
