Breaking the Barrier: Meet Michelle Giuca Reyes, the Captain Proving 'Females Play Just As Hard'

Role models appear in countless forms. They don’t have to be famous or in the public spotlight to be a role model or someone’s hero. It can be an every day person. Someone who has made a difference and the people around them. 

Today, we shine a spotlight on an extraordinary woman whose drive and talent have shattered boundaries on the soccer field: Michelle Giuca Reyes. At 43, Michelle's lifelong passion for the beautiful game continues to inspire, culminating in her incredible role as the captain of a predominantly male team in the US Soccer Heroes charity matches.

I had an opportunity to speak with Michelle to hear about her journey, her achievements, and the power of believing in your own game.

An Unwavering Dedication to the Game

Michelle’s love affair with soccer began early.

Q: How long have you been playing soccer, and what first drew you to the sport?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: I have been playing soccer since I was 12 years old.  About 30 years. From 12 to roughly 22 I played religiously.  From Recreation teams, to traveling teams, to high school team, and then played at college. After college, I started to play here and there, whenever I was invited to play with teams. 

I also lived in Costa Rica, Central America for 2 years and also played on a Division 2 Women's league.  When I came back from Costa Rica,  I was invited to play with my brother on his law enforcement team.   That invite opened up so many more soccer opportunities. After this point is when I was invited to play in Coach Alex's league in JC, and a few months later invited to play on a female team which would be representing USA in the World Police Indoor Soccer Tournament in Netherlands.  

Q: Who were some of your biggest inspirations in the world of soccer growing up?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: Growing up, one of the first female players I heard of and followed was Mia Hamm. It was unbelievable to know that the sport I loved so much was getting so popular for women. 

I grew up watching soccer having an Italian father.  When we would go to Costa Rica on our summer vacations, it's what everyone was playing on the streets, or watching on TV.  Looking back now, I see how soccer was always in my life one way or another.

Playing for a Cause: US Soccer Heroes

Michelle's path led her to the US Soccer Heroes, an organization dedicated to making a difference for local first responders and the community through charity events and emergency fundraisers, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for first responder families all under the guidance of Coach Alex Lalaoui.

Q: Can you tell us a bit about the "US Soccer Heroes" and how you first got involved?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: US Soccer Heroes hosts a variety of charity events throughout the year. I first met Coach Alex Lalaoui in 2012. I was invited to play in a Jersey City Indoor Soccer League known as, The Soccer Learning Center.  It was coed, a 4v4, 30 min games every Thursday for 7 weeks.  Mandatory 1 female on the field at all times!

This is where I came to meet Coach Alex, a longtime coach, and a man who later becomes a person who we dearly care for and consider part of our family.   It is because of Coach Alex, that I became part of the US Soccer Heroes in 2017. And it’s been an honor ever since to play for them every year!

Confidence in the Co-ed Arena

For the past few years, Michelle has been the sole female on her team in this major charity event, playing alongside and leading men of all ages.

Q: You were the only woman on your team. What was the dynamic like in the locker room and on the field, and what was it like to play alongside all male teammates?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: I was the only female on my team this year.  At first, it felt weird to be the only female in the locker room with all these men, but as the years go by, I realize that this is me! I love the soccer.  Almost seems like I've played more with men than I have with women.  Also, the team is happy to see me there and make me feel so comfortable being on the team with them.  I also have been playing alongside my husband Josue, who hasn't been able to play due to an injury.  He has always been there by my side to support me and let me know that the men on this team would feel incomplete if I wasn't at the event.

 My teammates who I have played with over the years are just great! From the moment we see each other entering the stadium, it's all hugs and a huge smiles excited to see each other again.  For the new players who join us, you hear them asking and wondering what kind of player I am... almost as if am I good and tough enough to play with men.  I hear men from both teams talking to new players, telling them to watch out for Michelle!  She will play tough, she's fast, and she will go for every ball without even thinking twice about it.  It truly feels amazing to be 43 years old and be playing with men of all different ages and have them cheer me on and tell me how great I did! And to be able to keep up with them too!

Michelle's friend and teammate, Mark Dutton, confirms her impact: 

"Michelle is one of my heroes, nothing phases her. She doesn’t see the difference between male and female on the field. She has the confidence in her own abilities that she’s on the same level as all the men she’s playing with. I met Michelle because we were both centerback and we hit it off. We had instant chemistry on the pitch, it was like we had been playing for years. I feel like I’ve known her my whole life. It’s an honour and a privilege to play for the Soccer community in New Jersey.”

Defining Moments

Michelle's tenacity isn't just talk. She recalled a defining moment from the game and the unwavering support. 

Q: Can you recall a specific moment from the game, either a challenge or a highlight, that truly defined the experience for you?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: There was a play where the right forward beat my right defender and was coming down the line, he chipped it over the defender and was very fast.  I see this forward coming full speed towards the ball, and without any hesitation, I just sprint to the ball and try to get to it first.  I see him coming, he sees me coming, we are both focused on one thing, beating each other to the ball! (This player has played me the last few years and knows I'm not backing down, and he is a pretty strong bulky player).

Well, we both make it to the ball, but I beat him by just a second and bomb that ball into the stands and collide with him... I get up and just shake it off as if it were any ordinary play and the fans went nuts!  My teammates on the field cheering me on telling me way to go, my husband on the sideline saying, "Great Job Babe", and my teammates on the sideline also saying great work!  I feel great in the moment, I almost left myself speechless because I know how strong this player is, but it doesn't matter to me how strong he is, what matters is how smart you play, and to feel as if you are just as strong, just as fast, and just as powerful!

The Triumph of The Captain

For the last few years, Michelle has earned the high honor of captaining the team.

Q: I heard you have captained the team for the last few years. What an achievement. What does being a captain mean to you?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: Yes, I have been Captain for the last few years!  This is so exciting to me! It truly is an honor to lead my team in this amazing event and why we are all really there.  To be the only female and to be the captain is such an achievement for me. Sometimes I get lost in the moment and when I realize that I'm the captain, I have this big smile and am overcome with euphoria.  It just goes to show you that as a female, there are no limits in sports!  

Captain for me means to lead my team, give them the true example of strength without using muscles! I encourage them as a team to play hard, enjoy the game, but above all, enjoy the moment that we are given to represent a wonderful organization as US Soccer Heroes!  It truly is an amazing match!

This year, Michelle led her team to a spectacular victory.

Q: Winning the match as captain and as the only woman on the team is a powerful statement. How did that victory feel, and what do you hope it shows other aspiring young players?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: What a WIN!!! We lost in prior years, so as a team we wanted this win badly. And when we got the win, it was just an incredible feeling.  To have them call me, Michelle, THE CAPTAIN, was a pretty cool feeling! And to receive that trophy and celebrate with my team was phenomenal.  I even did a little dip celebration with the trophy that I never even imagined I would do.  It truly was the best feeling of the night, and to celebrate with all my teammates was just the ending to a perfect night! 

I know there were a lot of young girls in the stands who were cheering us on, but specifically me!  It was breathtaking to hear them cheer for me after a good play throughout the game.  And to hear them celebrating our win was so cool! 

I know there were a lot of young girls in the stand, I hope they can see me as a prime example: Females Play Just As Hard, And Just As Tough. Don't let anyone tell them otherwise.

Advice for the Next Generation

When I asked for her best advice for young girls passionate about soccer in a male-dominated environment, Michelle’s message was clear and empowering.

Q: If you could offer one piece of advice to a young girl who is passionate about soccer but feels intimidated by a male-dominated environment, what would it be?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: It doesn't matter what your opponent or teammate looks like, it's how well you can play!

It doesn't matter how strong your opponent or teammate looks, it's how accurate you pass or shoot the ball!

It really doesn't matter who you play with or against as long as you always try your hardest and always work to be better!

Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about the match, the cause, or the power of sport to bring people together?

Michelle Giuca Reyes: I think I speak for all the player of US Soccer Heroes when I say we always wish we could play more than just once a year.  It such a great cause and it truly is an honor to be part of such an incredible organization led by Coach Alex.  It's also been an honor to meet some amazing individuals at these matches. For about 3/4 years now my coach has been Richie Williams.  Coach is just one of a kind. Such a humble and kind human being.  Has so much to offer and is just gracious in the way that he coaches us that one evening year after year.  His ability to motivate and inspire us to achieve greatness on and off the field is his number one asset.  It is truly a pleasure to have such a legend coaching on the field and spending quality time in the locker room with him.

Another teammate I would love to mention is Mark Dutton. Mark and I have been holding back the defense for quite a few years now! Every year as I walk into the stadium, he is one of the first individuals I look for.  He is just an amazing person, and such a great person to be around, especially before game time!  We greet, then we look at the new faces, acknowledge the old faces and chit chat about how the night has to end with a win!!

Last year we played side by side, and this year he was able to play up top doing an amazing job.   After the game, in a later conversation, he explains to me that this is the first year he actually had a chance to watch me from the side lines as opposed to playing on the field with me and that it was just a completely different angle.  To watch me from the sidelines and see how I would fight for every ball and go for every ball was incredible. He might have mentioned that he turned to my husband Josue and said, "She is a Beast"!   It's because of teammates like Mark and all my other teammates that night that give me the support and make me truly believe and feel that I belong on this team with all these men. I may be the only female on the team, but I have earned my spot on that starting lineup, and I have earned my Captain status to lead my team to victory!

Michelle Giuca's story is a testament to perseverance, skill, and the power of female leadership. She is a true hero on the pitch, both for the incredible charity work she supports and for the powerful example she sets for every young player dreaming big. She is an exceptional role model who’s played Soccer for over 30 years. Her niche and strength and coed environments.

In her dedication led her to become the sole female player and captain for the US Soccer Heroes, a charity organization raising tens of thousands of dollars for first responders. Despite playing alongside men, Michelle's confidence and skill shine, as affirmed by her friend Mark Dutton, who notes she doesn't see a difference between male and female players on the field. Her recent victory as captain underscored her powerful message: that females play just as hard and tough, proving there are no limits in sports for passionate young girls, regardless of their competition.