Bella Diorio, a sophomore forward on TCU’s women’s soccer team, has always had soccer in her blood. “Growing up, soccer was life,” Diorio said, reflecting on her early love for the game.
However, her road to collegiate success has been marked by triumphs and setbacks.
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Although involved with the sport for a long time, Diorio’s serious soccer journey began in high school, where she played in the Elite Clubs National League (ECNL).
“That was when I was like oh this is fun, that level where we get to travel around the country is awesome,” she said.
Making impressive strides towards a serious career, Diorio began to gain attention from colleges. Her recruiting process kicked off during the summer of her junior year.
But just as her collegiate dreams were taking shape, she faced a setback: an injury in the fall of her junior year. She missed out on the fall season but returned to the field in the spring after months of recovery, ready to prove herself.
One of the first schools to reach back out after her injury was TCU. Diorio’s connection with the Horned Frogs was immediate, thanks in part to the coaching staff. Head coach Eric Bell and assistant coach Tom Serratore talked her through the entire process. Interestingly, she and coach Serratore share more than just a love for soccer: they’re from the same hometown.
“I really liked the style of soccer that is played here and wanted to come visit,” she said.
After that things progressed fast. Within a month she had talked to the coaches, visited, got an offer and committed.
BELLA. DIORIO.
ARE YOU SERIOUS???? 🤯🤯#GoFrogs | #FIGHT pic.twitter.com/VZuRYxFSGL
— TCU Soccer (@TCUSoccer) September 2, 2024
Stepping onto the field as a first-year, Diorio admits, she was scared. But her relatability, both as a teammate and a leader, helped her navigate the challenges of being a first-year player. The year’s team is heavily dominated by first-year players. Diorio, now a sophomore, can use the challenges and lessons learned from her first year to mentor some of the younger players. “We are all in it together and that helps,” she said.
She reflected on how much the team has grown. “Compared to last year I just feel much closer with the team overall,” she said. “We hang out a lot off the field, and that chemistry really reflects when we play.”
That bond is paying off: Diorio has scored four goals this season and looks to continue her dominating streak.
Despite individual success, Diorio remains humble, focusing on staying consistent through the highs and lows of the season. “We prepare the same for every game taking into account our mistakes,” she said.
The Horned Frogs entered the pre-season ranked number one in the Big 12, with lofty goals ahead. For Diorio, the mission is clear. “We want to win the Big 12,” she said.
As Diorio and her teammates push through the season, she’s more driven than ever to help her team. With her leadership, drive and the team’s close-knit bond, TCU’s chances at the Big 12 title are as strong as ever.
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