Celina Pinelli’s soccer journey has reached a major milestone. Sault Ste Marie, Ontario native and Grade 12 student who attends Erie Preparatory Academy has officially committed to Southern Illinois University, where she will begin her NCAA soccer career in the fall of 2026 on an athletic scholarship. Pinelli, a dynamic striker/winger with Villarreal Erie Academy, will also pursue a degree in Biology, combining high-level athletics with strong academic ambition.
When Pinelli received the scholarship offer, emotions ran high. Excitement led the way, followed closely by gratitude and relief. Years of dedication, sacrifice, and daily work had finally paid off. “It was a moment I had worked toward for years,” she said, acknowledging not only the achievement itself, but the many people who supported her along the way. For Pinelli, the offer represented validation of her commitment to the game and her belief in the process.
What ultimately made Southern Illinois the right fit was the authenticity of the program and its coaching staff. Pinelli was drawn to how open and genuine the coaches were, and how strongly they believed in her as both a player and a person. The program’s emphasis on team culture and long-term player development stood out immediately. Just as important was the academic side, with SIU offering a strong biology program and a competitive athletic environment where she sees room to grow on and off the field.
South Illinois coach Graeme Orr comment: “Celina fits perfectly into the style of play and culture we’re continuing to build at Southern Illinois. We want players who are technically clean, tactically disciplined, and relentless in their work rate — and she checks every one of those boxes. Beyond her ability, she’s a team-first player with strong character. Over the next few seasons, we see her developing into someone who can truly elevate the standard within our program.”
Pinelli’s soccer roots run deep. She has been playing since the age of four, beginning her journey with Soo United and spending countless hours training with her father, Eddy Pinelli, whether on local fields, in the backyard, or during long winter sessions in the basement. At 16, she made the bold decision to move to the United States to further her development, joining Villarreal Erie Academy — a turning point that elevated her game. Competing at higher levels has taught her discipline, resilience, and how to handle pressure, all key tools she believes will translate well to the NCAA level.
Throughout her journey, family has been the backbone of her success. Her father has been her biggest influence and constant training partner, tirelessly researching opportunities, attending camps, and providing honest feedback. She credits her mother Nancy, siblings Natalie and Jonathan, and extended family for their endless encouragement. Pinelli also expressed gratitude to early coaches Mike Magil and John Iachetta, mentor Maria Procopio, and current coaches Gino Romeo and Troy Bingham, along with teammates and friends in Erie, Pennsylvania, who have helped shape her path.
On the field, Pinelli sees her biggest strengths as her speed, shooting power, and dribbling ability. As an attacker, she prides herself on being confident with the ball and unafraid to take shots, especially in fast-paced, physical games. She understands that NCAA soccer demands quick decision-making, strong ball control, and the ability to read when to attack versus when to distribute — areas she has worked hard to refine.
Looking ahead, her freshman goals are simple but powerful: adjust quickly, give maximum effort, and continue growing as both a player and teammate. Long-term, Pinelli aims to become a consistent impact player, a leader within the program, and someone her teammates can rely on. Balancing academics and athletics will be a challenge, but one she feels prepared for through strong time-management skills, organization, and the academic support systems she plans to use at SIU.
For younger athletes chasing the same dream, Pinelli offers clear advice: stay consistent, trust the process, and don’t let setbacks define you. She emphasizes discipline, coachability, and the importance of putting yourself out there — even if that means moving to new teams or cities for exposure. “Believe in yourself, even when others doubt you,” she says. “Hard work will show.”
With her commitment now official, Celina Pinelli steps confidently into the next chapter of her soccer and academic career — one built on years of sacrifice, unwavering support, and a belief that the best is still ahead.
