From the post WWII boom in immigration, to quality imports in the A-League and W-League, the foreign influence has left an indelible mark on Australian football. For many overseas players who make their way down under, however, the reason is usually the opportunity to experience the lifestyle and attractions that define the nation in tourist brochures. Rarely do they stay beyond a few years, let alone a single season.
That is anything but the case for Heidelberg United captain Michelle Verzi, who enters her sixth season at Olympic Village, including three now as the club’s captain, since her move from America.
Growing up in Delran, New Jersey, Verzi started playing the sport as a four-year-old. While her early career was hampered by two ACL reconstructions, she did turn out for La Salle University in Philadelphia, a Division 1 school, and in the US W-League with the New Jersey Wildcats.
On the flipside, the Australian influence overseas has also been strong. It was in the States that she met Socrates Nicolaidis – current South Melbourne coach – and James Galanis, now a mentor to Carli Lloyd – Verzi regularly trained with both – with the latter recommending the midfielder to Heidelberg.
“I really enjoyed my first year at Heidelberg. The league was different then, but not in a bad way,” Verzi says.
“I think there was a bit more experienced players throughout all the teams. But the club was good to me and the girls made me feel welcome and made my experience a great one.”
The midfielder attributes a culture of harmony and togetherness for players of all genders and backgrounds for helping her form friendships off the pitch and growing her affinity for the club, keeping her hesitant to leave Olympic Village.
Her own positive attitude and consistent performances have aided her time at club, thriving under numerous coaches.
“A lot has changed since my first year with the club. Heidelberg as a whole has gone through a lot of positive changes and is really revamping itself, which is so good to see and be a part of,” she says.
“At the end of the day there aren’t many clubs with the history that Heidelberg has. I love that, and I love the feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself and working not for yourself and not even just for your team but for everyone at the club.
“We have people who have been at the club for years, dating back to the 70’s and 80’s that come to all of the women’s games and learn all the girls’ names and support us. I don’t think you’ll find that at many other clubs.”
“This is my third year as captain and it is an honor to be voted as captain by my teammates and to lead the club into the WNPL. We have a great group of girls this year which has made my role easy and I’m really enjoying it.
Off the pitch, Verzi’s own family provide a constant source of support and inspiration. With her early injury stuggles behind her, the American credits her brother for keeping her going during times of pain and uncertainty.
“I would not still be playing without the support of my family,” Verzi admits.
“My parents sacrificed a lot to take me and my siblings to training every day of the week and my dad was a great motivator to push me to keep getting better and come back from my injuries without ever being overbearing.
“Also, one of my biggest motivators is my younger brother, John, who unfortunately went through six knee surgeries – including three full ACL reconstructions – before the age of 18 and was out of the game for a long time.
“He did make it back to the field eventually, and although he doesn’t play anymore, seeing someone go through all of that and not stop playing is a constant reminder that I am lucky to still be able to play.”
Verzi’s stint at Olympic Village has been hugely successful, underscored by playing finals in every season to date.
However, one honour still eluding her is championship glory, with the club participating in three losing Grand Finals during the WPL era.
With the NPLW bringing a new approach to the competition, Verzi believes the club can go one better under coach Bill Mihaloudis and eventually claim that elusive silverware, with the 2016 pre-season showing promising signs to date.
“I’ve played in three grand finals and just haven’t been able to get across the line and bring the trophy back to the club,” she says.
“With that being said, I am proud that we have made the finals every year for the last 9 years in the WPL, especially in some of the years where it didn’t seem like we had a chance. Obviously I would love to win something for the club, so there is always that extra bit of motivation. Hopefully before I retire we can do it.
“Bill has been very good for the club in terms of bringing in not just good players but the right sort of personalities. Team chemistry and harmony is very important and Bill knows it. I think this year we have got the chemistry right, and everyone is on the same page in terms of what we want to accomplish.
“We as a team have set goals for the year. I will keep them between the girls and I for now but we have been doing well in our practice matches and have been showing a lot of good signs as we keep gelling together as a unit. Everyone has been working hard and that’s what we want. It is a long season so everyone is important to the team. We are all looking forward to it.”
Likewise, Mihaloudis has the highest praise for the side’s leader, paying tribute to the player who has become synonymous with the Heidelberg name in women’s football.
“We couldn’t have asked for a committed, passionate and dedicated individual than Verzi to continue her captaincy and lead our team into its inaugural NPLW season at Heidelberg United,” Mihaloudis says.
“We expect our captains to lead and we don’t tell them often enough just what a great job they do, on and off the field. It’s a privilege to manage any team captained by Michelle.”