Melissa Fioritto is a versatile player for the Altus Lady Bulldog soccer team. “I play many different positions wherever my coach needs me,” she says, “but I mainly play center mid. I enjoy it the most because I am able to be a part of the play no matter where it happens.”
Making plays to benefit the team are her best memories. “My all-time high of my high school career is probably scoring in a penalty kick with a sprained ankle in our final game my sophomore year. It was the best way to wrap up the year and I’m ecstatic I got to be an essential part of our win,” exclaims Melissa.
Soccer is more than a game for Melissa. She is now a junior but started playing at an early age after watching her sister play. Through the years she has seen herself grow as a player and as a person. “Seeing my progress and passion behind the sport is more than just soccer. It’s become a part of me and my development through life,” she says.
Learning to work with many different people is a valuable lesson Melissa learned on the soccer field. Being on a team means embracing different personalities and building bonds with them. “The camaraderie that comes with working with a team is my favorite part. Being able to call them not just friends, but teammates, is something I am honored to do.”
Abri Hernandez is just one teammate to leave a big impression on Melissa. “She has stuck with me and given me the pleasure of being able to better myself through helping her. She has the kindest heart I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with,” says Melissa.
Melissa did not get to where she is alone. She is grateful to everyone in her support system for helping her reach her goals. “I want to thank Coach Tobin for shaping the program into what it is now. Without him, we wouldn’t be half of what we are now.
“I’d also like to thank my mom and dad for encouraging me and allowing me to pursue this route. They truly have done so much for me that I don’t know what I would do without them. My sister, Ashley Fioritto and my cousin, Lucas Stewart, have been by my side since day one. Sometimes they’re the only reason I’m still going.
“I also have past coaches that have done so much for me. My main two are Coach Jose and Richard. Both of them put the work in to give me the confidence to be who I am now. Finally, teammates make the team and without Abri, Kessler, Diana, Brithany and so many more at practice I don’t know if I could do it without them,” said Melissa.
After high school Melissa plans to attend the University of Central Oklahoma and study in the forensic program.
