Interview with Alessandro Capogna: College Soccer Pathway

For this post, I had the chance to sit down with a friend and former teammate, Alessandro (Ale) Capogna. Ale’s journey in soccer is a unique one. Born and raised in Italy, he grew up playing in Frosinone’s academy, a club known for developing young talent. But instead of continuing through Italy’s lower professional leagues, Ale made the bold decision to move to the United States and play Division 1 soccer for Drexel University.

When we talked, I wanted to understand what drove that decision—why he chose college soccer in the U.S. over pursuing a professional career back home.

“For me, being a professional was always the aim while growing up at Frosinone's academy,” Ale shared. “But I came to understand that playing in Italy’s lesser levels often lacked both long-term job security and financial stability because of how low the average salaries are. I was drawn to college soccer in the United States because I thought it would provide a special mix of competitive football and the ability to further my education. I was able to continue playing at a high level and get ready for life after football as well.”

This balance of soccer and education is something that sets the American system apart from many European countries. While professional academies in Europe focus solely on football, college soccer offers players the chance to compete at a high level while securing a degree.

“Playing soccer in college offers a lot of opportunities,” Ale explained. “First, it gives athletes the chance to grow in a controlled environment with pretty decent facilities and coaching—obviously depending on what school you go to and how their budget looks. Second, it also offers the chance to sign with USL teams or be drafted into MLS, as well as exposure to professional scouts. Which I was excited about because it doesn’t close any doors for you. Then, of course, getting a degree opens up job opportunities outside of soccer, such as coaching, sports management, or for me, the financial world. There aren't many organized backup plans in Europe for those who don't make it professionally, but collegiate athletics in the U.S. provide that safety net. In Europe, you typically chase a professional career or academics—very rarely are you able to do both. So the ability to do that really appealed to me, and I am happy with the choice I made. When I look back, I wouldn’t change anything, to be honest.”

The differences between college soccer and the European academy system go beyond just career planning—they also impact player development.

“They are completely different,” Ale said. “Football is the only emphasis of academies in Europe, where training begins at a young age and is always very intense. Then, college soccer is more of a balance between academics and athletics, where both are meant to be equally important instead of prioritizing one over the other. Although the season is shorter and more physically demanding, I think that athletes gain flexibility, time management skills, and discipline—and so much more. It develops your character a lot, and at least for me, I matured so much balancing the two when learning how to do so. I think if I had to advise someone, I'd say that college may be the perfect developmental platform for footballers who are not yet prepared to live the lifestyle of an elite professional football player.”

Hearing Ale’s perspective reinforced how different the paths to professional soccer can be depending on where you grow up. In Europe, young players are often forced to make a decision between fully committing to football or pursuing an academic career. In the U.S., the college system allows athletes to do both, creating a unique route that blends competition with future security.

Ale’s story highlights why more international players are starting to see college soccer as a legitimate stepping stone—whether that means continuing to chase a professional career or setting themselves up for a future beyond the game. The American college system isn’t just about sports; it’s about developing players as athletes, students, and individuals. And for many, like Ale, that balance makes all the difference.