Millennium & Excel soccer star earns spot in U17 Women’s World Cup

By Londun Christensen

Anaiya Miyazato, a 15-year-old soccer star from Phoenix, has made the leap from local talent to an international roster, earning a spot on Mexico’s team for the upcoming FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup.

Set to start on October 16 in the Dominican Republic, Miyazato’s achievement serves as a north star for young girls aspiring to follow in her footsteps.

Traditionally a midfielder, her versatility allows her to plug in to a few different positions on the pitch.

Miyazato has played soccer for most of her life, taking after her older sister, a former player at San Jose State.

“I’ve always looked up to her,” Miyazato said.

She now hopes to inspire the next generation of female athletes.
Her decade worth of experience at Excel Soccer Academy has laid the foundation for that success.

“My coaches have pushed me as hard as I can be pushed,” Miyazato said.

“From the time she was six, we could see that she had talent, it was obvious,” Excel Soccer Academy coach Stryker Aguilar said. “That talent can only take you so far— she is always working and training at 150 percent.”

Miyazato’s commitment led to her earning Desert West Region Player of Year with Millenium as a freshman.

“It’s been rewarding inspiring all of these young girls that play out here,” she said. “Our club is tiny, so we don’t have players who have gone national.”

The Excel Soccer community, along with Miyazato’s family and friends, has shown unwavering support as she prepares for the World Cup.

“A lot of coaches have contributed to Anaiya’s development, and we’re all extremely proud,” Aguilar said. “We couldn’t be happier for her and her family, and for her to be able to play on the world stage.”

The only thing more impressive than Miyazato’s skills on the field is her maturity at this age.

“My mindset has always been to keep going,” Miyazato said. “Just see that the game isn’t as hard as it should be. I just need to have fun and be grateful for where I’m at.”

“Anything is possible. Keep working hard, push through the tough times—it’s all worth it in the end.”

With her Excel Soccer Academy community cheering her on, Miyazato is ready to make her mark on the global stage starting October 16 at the DR.