Cape soccer teammates pick same college
Over the past four years, the Cape Coral Seahawks haven’t always possessed the overall depth and talent to contend with the area’s top girls’ soccer teams.
That didn’t prevent goalkeeper Shelby Rowe and forward Nina Antonacci from putting forth their best effort each time out.
Win or lose, Rowe’s sparkling saves and Antonacci’s aggressive attack were on constant display.
“The girls’ team is sort of diamonds in the rough, they don’t really get recognized,” former Seahawks coach Neil Cockburn said. “These two girls can definitely play at the next level.”
Rowe and Antonacci both were offered soccer scholarships by Warner University in Lake Wales, and signed letters with the school Wednesday at Cape High.
Rowe’s parents, Tim and Stephanie, and Antonacci’s parents, Pasquale and Christine, joined their daughters at the signing table. Cockburn, who now coaches men’s soccer at Webber University, current Cape girls’ coach Dan Gross and Warner coach Kurt Bienias spoke before the official signing.
Both players went to Warner and practiced with the team following the high school season, ultimately deciding it is the right fit.
“They were nice and friendly,” Rowe said of the team. “I’m a really quiet person and went right in there and they accepted me right away. I like feeling like a family when I’m playing soccer.”
Antonacci said she felt comfortable there, and acknowledged her former coach for creating the opportunity to play at the next level.
“Coach Neil helped me get in there, he basically pushed me along the way and opened doors for me,” she said, “and it’s a Christian school, which is something I really liked.”
Rowe began playing soccer at age 5, and Antonacci at 7. Both played for the Seahawks the past four years, as well as other sports.
Rowe participated in volleyball for four years, and played softball as a freshman. Antonacci, the Seahawks’ top goal scorer the past four years, ran track for four years, qualifying for state last year in the 4×100 relay.
Along with their athleticism, Bienias applauded the girls’ character, which they showed during the visit.
“They came here and represented Cape very well,” he said.
In addition to continuing their soccer careers, Rowe plans to become a sports therapist, while Antonacci wants to pursue a career in childhood education.