After two seasons leading the Ole Miss women’s soccer team offensively, Rafaelle Souza is well on her way to another stellar year for the Lady Rebels.
Souza has arguably been the best offensive player for the Lady Rebels since she set foot on campus. In 2011, her first season with the Rebels, she finished a single goal, point and assist shy of entering the Ole Miss record books for each category for newcomers. Her nine goals, seven assists and 25 total points did, however, lead the team that season.
The Salvador, Brazil native followed up her first-year campaign with an outstanding 2012 season, posting 13 goals, four of which were game-winners, and 33 total points. Those numbers were good for a first-place tie with teammate Mandy McCalla in the entire Southeastern Conference. She also received a host of honors last season, including being named all-SEC second team, and first team all-South by the NSCAA.
When asked about these honors, a shy and humble Souza expressed that she wishes the best for her team.
“I’m happy to score goals if it helps our team get another win,” she said.
Souza, who is known affectionately as “Rafa,” has continued her dominance this season. She has already posted seven goals through eight games, leading the Lady Rebels to a 6-1-1 record heading into conference play. She notched her latest two goals in the team’s match against Memphis on Sunday night, a 3-0 victory and the fourth shutout of the year for the Rebels.
To add to her laundry list of accomplishments, Souza was also named the 2012 Co-Scholar-Athlete of the Year by the coaches. She shared the award with Allison Hu of Missouri. When asked about her activities outside of soccer, she said simply, “I study.” The award, which requires a minimum 3.0 GPA, certainly validates that answer. She was also named to the Capital One All-District Academic first team, which is voted on by the College Sports Information Directors of America.
Souza did not initially play soccer in college. She couldn’t, according to her, because women didn’t have the opportunity at the Universidade Do Estado Da Bahia. She played for multiple club teams in South America from 2008 to 2010, before arriving at Ole Miss in 2011. Souza expressed interest in returning to her home country of Brazil and continuing her soccer career, but also noted that she is keeping her options open.
For now, she’s focussing on soccer and the beginning of SEC play on Friday. Ole Miss head coach Matt Mott said Souza’s health, effort, skill and yes, her ability to score, will be paramount to the team’s continued success, but that’s no surprise, given what she’s done in her already prized career.
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