Aline Reis

Classroom

Reis is an NSCAA College Scholar All-American, a consistent member of the C-USA Commissioner’s Honor Roll with a cumulative GPA of 3.62 and a current mark of 4.0 and is set to graduate in December 2011. Not speaking English upon her arrival at UCF, the classroom was difficult at first for Reis as she struggled with understanding assignments and coursework. But she was determined to do well and put in a lot of effort to succeed even if that required sacrifices along the way. Her English quickly evolved and the results were reflected in her grades. A leader on and off the field, Reis takes pride in her academic capabilities to help contribute to the team GPA. She leads by example by achieving good grades, excelling on the field and showing that it’s possible to do well in both aspects. Reis intends to pursue a coaching position and eventually progress into physical therapy.

Character

Due to her first language being Portuguese, the language barrier was Reis’ biggest challenge when she arrived at UCF, making her feel like an outsider on the team. She had trouble expressing herself even though her teammates were there every step of the way. Another obstacle early was injuries. Reis has requires two ACL surgeries, two shoulder repair surgeries and a torn PCL. Each one demanded a lengthy rehabilition process. In 2010, she played through extensive shoulder pain to guide UCF to a C-USA title and another berth in the NCAA Tournament. But she believes teammwork to be of huge importance, and admits without it UCF is not likely to have experienced all of its success. She thoroughly enjoys the dynamics of being part of a team and the way in which being a member provides valuable and transferable skills to other areas of life.

Community

Reis has attended Florida Hospitals Children’s Unit to spend afternoons with children recovering from illness or injury, assisting them with fun games and activities. In the fall of 2010, she participated in the “Help Haiti” cause by packaging food and necessities to send to refugees of the earthquake. In the spring of 2011, she helped host a booth in the Relay for Life campaign, raising money for cancer research. When Reis travels back to Brazil, she voluntarily runs coaching sessions for a local school of deprived children to try and raise participation levels in sports. At the end of each UCF season, she takes her soccer equipment back to Brazil and donates it to underpriviliged children who would otherwise have no means of acquiring things such as cleats, shin guards and goalkeeper gloves.

Competition

A member of the Brazilian National Team Camp in 2009, Reis was an NSCAA All-American in 2008, a Hermann Trophy Watch List honoree in 2009 and an All-Conference USA First Team goalkeeper in 2009 and 2010. She also earned all-region honors each season. UCF won the C-USA title in 2009 and 2010, and has been to the NCAA Tournament every year with Reis as its keeper. She has 18 shutouts in her UCF career with 266 saves, an .801 save percentage and a 1.09 GAA. Reis has seven lifetime C-USA Defensive Player of the Week awards, which are tied for the most by any player in league history.