Sica returns to Roma
Sydney Sica is back for a sequel with the St. Catharines Club Roma Wolves.
The 25-year-old Niagara Falls native returned to Roma’s League2 women’s team this season thanks in large part to an impassioned plea from head coach Rob Lalama.
“I couldn’t say no to a former coach coming back,” said Sica, who was part of Roma’s League1 women’s team two years ago. “I just want to play soccer for some fun in my life. I’m working full time now so looking to get back in shape and it’s good for fitness and Rob offered me the opportunity to play.”
Lalama, who coached Sica at Niagara College and added her as an assistant coach to his staff with the Knights last fall, was confident Sica would be a perfect fit to help lead Roma’s young squad.
“She’s a proven scorer, holds every record at Niagara College and she brings leadership, skill and goal scoring, which is hard in the women’s game,” Lalama said. “She gave me the ultimate compliment. She said she just couldn’t say no to me, her old coach. What a compliment. Very flattering.”
Sica loves playing for Lalama.
“Rob has been one of the best coaches I’ve had the chance to play for,” she said. “I love how he looks at every player and picks out the best in them and then somehow allows our team to excel based on the starting 11 and the whole team.
“He brings the team together in a way a lot of people I find don’t. He definitely picks out the best characteristics and abilities and is able to bring them out on the field.”
Lalama said Sica, a Saint Michael Catholic High School graduate who also played one season at Ryerson and two at Brock, was an easy choice as captain.
“It’s women’s sports. You need female coaches, female role models. She’s excellent. She was a great captain and leader and had very coach-like qualities as a player,” he said.
Sica is happy to take on a leadership role.
“I think it comes with age. I’m definitely one of the older ones on the team,” she said.
Sica has managed to balance playing for Roma with her nursing job at Niagara Health thanks to helpful co-workers who switch shifts with her, although she admits it can be exhausting.
“I’m more tired coming from the hospital working a 12-hour shift and then going to play a game. I feel 100 more times tired than when I was going to school and then going to soccer. It’s surprising because I thought it would be more a relief,” she said.
The Wolves are off to a 2-1 start this season, which Lalama chalks up to strong team chemistry.
“It’s a good group of players, they get along well,” he said. “I ask a lot and they don’t seem to mind. I’ve really used my bench and they’re all proven they can contribute so now there’s competition for starting jobs and playing time, which is great. They’re expected to support their teammates as they would hope to be supported when they’re playing.
“They all need to feel they’re contributing or they won’t feel part of the team.”
The Wolves are home to Rush Canada May 24 at 8 p.m.
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