Player Feature: Molly Pistorius
- Andi Revesz
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
In her first season as a part of Edgewater Castle FC’s Women’s First Team, Molly Pistorius has become a staple when pressing against opposing squads. In this part of the Player Feature Series, Pistorius talks about playing in Michigan, her college connection to ECFC, and keeping herself motivated.
What’s your earliest memory of playing soccer, and when did you realize you wanted to play it in your adult life?
“Playing in rec leagues at a young age, probably five years old, with my twin sister and all the girls in our community.”
“It was kind of like a no-brainer. I didn’t really think there was another option, just because I’ve been playing it my whole life. It’d kind of almost be like a waste, not continuing on and just keep playing for the rest of my life.”
What was the biggest challenge you faced on your journey to becoming a semi-professional soccer player?
“The recruitment process and college soccer. Staying mentally motivated at that high level for such a long time, because it is pretty draining. I feel like sticking it out for this long is the hardest part, and I got through it.”
Who has been the most influential coach or mentor in your career?
“Jon Sandoval, who’s the coach now at Loyola. He was kind of one of the only people who took a chance on me and offered me to play college soccer. He’s just been like a great coach and leader and mentor on the field and just a great person to look up to.”
Is there a moment in your career you’re most proud of?
“My sophomore year in college. That was the first time Northern Michigan [University] has won [Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference] conference, like ever. It was an incredible experience. Just to be a part of it and make history was pretty cool.”
What does your typical day look like during the season vs. during the offseason?
“When I’m at school for college soccer, it’s pretty much like soccer all day, everyday in the fall. Soccer and school mostly. I would consider this my offseason, but I’m still playing with Edgewater, but just having my part time job and I’m doing some summer school classes and then Edgewater at night or games on Saturday, which pretty much takes up most of my time.”
How do you handle pressure or nerves before big games?
“I feel like I get most of them out during warm ups. Once the game starts and the whistle blows they all just go away. I feel like I’ve been playing for so long where I think of it as any other game. Like, you’re just playing soccer, you’ve done it your whole life.
If you weren’t playing soccer semi-professionally, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
“That’s a hard question. I’d probably have to think about that soon because I’m going to be done soon. Just still staying active, running or doing some sort of workout class. I can’t really see myself not being active every day.”
Why did you join ECFC?
“I heard about it through my college coach. I thought it would be a great opportunity and I knew a couple people on the team. I heard about it through social media, so I thought it was a good opportunity. I’ve never played on a semi-pro team over the summers, which I probably should have, but I really like it so far.”
What has been your favorite memory with the team?
“The away game at DeKalb [United this season]. It was the first game where we all took the bus together as a team. During the game, it was pretty close. I think it was tied most of the game, and then Jocelyn [Leigh] scored in like the 90th minute to win the game for us. We just had a fun bus ride home. So that was a good memory.”
What is your favorite pregame song?
“'You Give Love A Bad Name' by Bon Jovi.”
Who’s your favorite soccer player?
“Trinity Rodman on the U.S. National Team. I kind of just think she’s a cool person. She has cool style, and I like the way she plays.”
What’s your favorite pregame meal?
“The night before, probably pasta and meatballs, but if it’s during the day, a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.”
What advice would you give to young players who want to continue playing soccer in their adult life?
“Work hard everyday if you love the game. Even when nobody’s watching you. You just have to stay dedicated and true to yourself.”