15 February 2024

Written By Chris Dailey

FC Monmouth is delighted to welcome back Sofia and Ava Gialanella for its inaugural WPSL season. The Gialanella sisters, hailing from Barnaget, follow in the footsteps on the Nigro brothers (‘21) and the Ferriera brothers (‘24), to become the third siblings to have played for FC Monmouth, and the first sisters to have stepped on the field in the blue and gold.

(Sofia, pictured 3rd from the left. Followed by Ava, 4th.)

Since the beginning, soccer was always in their blood. Sofia, who is two years older than Ava and a current sophomore at Merrimack, inspired her little sister to follow in her footsteps.

“Growing up playing soccer with my sister was an amazing experience,” said Ava. “She was and still is a constant influence in my play. She was consistently pushing me to a higher level during every training session and especially my mental side of the game as well. Every young female athlete who plays soccer should have a Sofia in their lives that is their number one supporter.”

The two sisters played for two years at St. Rose High School in Belmar before Sofia graduated and Ava took her talents down south to IMG Academy in Florida.

“We were always on the same page, playing in sync with one another. There were several times where I would have the assist to some of Ava’s goals and vice versa, which felt incredibly special—like our connection as sisters translated perfectly onto the field. It’s amazing how that familial bond can give you a unique kind of strength when you’re playing together,” stated Sofia on her time playing with her sister.

Both sisters proved to be star-players for the Purple Roses. Sofia was a 3-time NJ.com All-B Central Division Selection, Asbury Park All-Shore Conference Selection, and captained the squad to a 2-22-2023 Division Championship. Meanwhile, Ava scored 9 goals and provided 14 assists as a sophomore. Ava is committed to play for 4-time CAA Champions, Northeastern University.

A major factor in Ava’s decision to commit to Northeastern was the close proximity to Merrimack.

“A factor while choosing the right school for me was to be relatively close to my sister. Potentially playing against each other in a Division 1 match would be incredible. The only difference is we wouldn’t be on the same side playing the same position together,” said Ava

As evident in Ava’s commitment, there is an undeniable love between the two sisters .

The love shared between the sisters, both on and off the field will be on full display this summer at Count Basie. The sisters are ecstatic to get another chance to take the pitch with their sister.

“I’m so thankful to FC Monmouth for giving us the opportunity to share the field again. Playing side by side as center backs this past summer, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of pride and joy. It was like we picked up right where we left off, and the feeling of having my sister by my side on the field again was truly something special,” said Sofia.

Ava added, “Playing a sport together, especially something as dynamic and team-oriented as soccer, adds a whole new layer to our bond. It’s not just about the game—it’s about the shared memories, the teamwork, and the connection we have as siblings. There’s something uniquely powerful about family supporting one another in a team setting. That feeling of ‘we’ve got each other’s backs’ on and off the field can be pretty fulfilling. It’s like reigniting that spark you had when you first started playing together, but with all the maturity and perspective you’ve gained over time. The sense of familiarity added an extra level of comfort and joy.”

The Gialanella sisters have a chemistry that coaches can’t teach. It's a type of chemistry that is rooted in family, support, and years of playing soccer in the yard together.

To catch the Gialanella sisters in WPSL action this summer, follow @wearemonmouth to stay up to date on FC Monmouth’s schedule release and all things pertaining to the Blue and Gold.

Dynamic Duo: The Gialanella Sisters Return For Their Second Season With FC Monmouth