Amalia Apostolou, Applewood Heights standout joins the RPN Factory; First Canadian soccer player

May 09, 2024

Amalia Apostolou, Applewood Heights standout joins the RPN Factory; First Canadian soccer player

Name: Amalia Apostolou

Hometown: Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

Height: 5-9

Position: Midfielder

High School: Applewood Heights (ON)

Graduation Class: 2026

Travel Club: Liverpool Football Club International Academy

GPA: 4.0

NCAA ID: 2405293725

Status: Uncommitted

Recruiting Email: a.apostolou@rogers.com

MISSISSAUGA, ON -- Amalia Apostolou is a 5-9 Centre Midfielder from Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. She's currently a sophomore at Applewood Heights Secondary School, and runs with LFC IA Mississauga in the Ontario Provincial Developmental League. Apostolou is one of the brightest stars in the Greater Toronto Area, who's also the first Canadian soccer player to join the RPN Factory.

Although, Apostolou seems brand new to the brand, the sophomore sensation has had ties to the Factory for a couple of years. Being the younger sister of Redmond Prep's Marina Apostolou, it was bound to happen eventually with the opportunity. If there is one thing I do know about the Apostolou's is that they aren't afraid to compete with anybody.

Trust me, absolutely nobody.

Taking the time to study down film, I was impressed with the middle child's bag. The 2026 prospect is an elite passer, competes in the open field, slippery off the dribble and can score in multiple ways to hurt an opposition. She has one of the best tapes I've seen all year, and I had to replay the 5-minute video numerous times to recap what I just witnessed. Apostolou has the opportunity to build a life for herself within the sport, and I cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Greek and Portuguese Canadian.

I caught up with the international prospect on life in Sauga, growth of the women's game and insight on her career.

Amalia Apostolou Interview

When did you first start playing soccer?

- "I started playing Timbit soccer at three years old. My parents signed me up for fun in the summer. It became a tradition to pick up a donut and a slurpee after every game. After a few summers, I was bitten by the soccer bug, and it turned into something more than just a summer pastime. I then signed up for the house league and eventually rep."

Can you describe your game from the skill standpoint?

- "I am a calm and composed player. I play with my head up, and am always moving on and off the ball to create opportunities. I use my vision and game awareness to create scoring chances for myself, as well as my teammates. I play with physicality to use my height and strength in my advantage to win aerial balls and win challenges. I am creative and work my way out of tough situations. I have good ball control, work hard on both the offensive side of the game as well as on defence, and am always trying to disrupt opposing players."

How was life growing up in Sauga?

- "Growing up in Mississauga has been great. It is a very multicultural city. It has numerous sports clubs as it gives me a chance to experience different sports. Mississauga also has a a great art scene and many restaurants, thanks to its diversity. It's mad close to downtown Toronto, so makes it an awesome place to live and grow up in."

- "The crazy thing about Canada is the sheer beauty of the country." Apostolou continued. "We have mountains, water, green lands and urban living. From the east coast to the west coast. Canada has something to offer everyone."

What is the outlook for your sophomore season?

- "As a team we want to further our season. Last year we made it to the semi finals, and we hope this year to make it all the way. As an individual, I am excited to take more of a leadership role, still provide production and help lead our team to a championship."

Your journey has been unique through the first two years. Active across different sports, traveling throughout North America for soccer and continuing to expand your knowledge as a prospect, you are at a good pace for a polished career. You’re still at a very early stage of your career, but what kinds of things are you doing to make yourself the best player you can be?

- "I believe that training is the number one thing that will help my soccer career. I work on all aspects of my game, whether that be on the field or off the field. I train with a conditioning coach in the gym to help me get stronger and prevent injury. I also think that playing other sports like basketball, cross country, track and field and volleyball help with my endurance and keeping me fit and agile. In turn helping me in all aspects of my soccer game. I also believe having an in depth knowledge of the game off the field is very important. I am a student of the game. I watch all levels of soccer with both women’s and men’s. I feel that watching and learning from the best will help me become the best. I also watch my own game film to review, and reflect on what I did well. What I can do better going forward."

- "I also find it beneficial to have the opportunity to play in the US and against American teams." She continued. "As I find it is a different style of play. Soccer in Canada is gaining popularity as it is apparent with the number of teams increasing yearly. Especially in women’s soccer. I also feel that by sharing my knowledge and love for the game with the younger generation, I not only spark their love for the sport, but it helps me get back to the basics."

You are involved in a lot of activities. Soccer, cross country, track, basketball, volleyball, softball and flag football. What does being a dual sport athlete mean to you?

- "Participating in many sports helps me develop a wide range of skills, that are ultimately beneficial to my soccer career. Playing different sports helps me train different parts of my body. I also enjoy the camaraderie that comes with playing with different people, on different teams. Playing on my school teams gives me a sense of community and I feel as though I am contributing to the school. I have been able to meet a lot of people through the connection of sports."

Who is your favorite athlete and why?

- "My favourite athlete is Jessie Fleming. I have always looked up to her since the beginning of her career. I looked to her as a role model. When she made her debut for the Canadian National team at the young age of 15 years old, it instantly opened my eyes to the possibilities and opportunities this sport could bring me. Jessie Fleming has not only had great success on the field throughout her career, but she has also made great contributions to the future of women’s soccer in Canada and the rest of the world. She is an advocate for women’s equality as well as using sport to empower children, and promote education within communities. She is passionate about giving back and making a difference in the world. She is a humble athlete and very down to earth. These are alI the qualities I admire."

Who would you consider your role model?

- "I have many people I look up to, however my biggest role model is my grandpa. He recently passed away and it is a huge loss to my entire family. He was an immigrant who came to Canada looking for a better life. He was an honest, hardworking man, who always saw the best in people. He loved his family, good food and great music. He was also a huge soccer fan."

You have a very close knit family around you. From being the middle child a minute late from Marina to being a big influence on Eliana, you all seem super close to each other. Talk about the sibling dynamic as you are all going through life together.

- "I am very close with my sisters. I am very lucky to have an older sister like Marina. I can go to her for advise and support. It helps that we are both student athletes, and we can rely on each other to get us through any tough times. I think the fact that she plays basketball, and I play soccer is a plus. We are competitive with each other in a healthy way. We push each other to be our best selves. I also have a close relationship wish my little sister, Eliana. She grew up watching Marina and I playing sports, and she is now an amazing athlete at the young age of 11. I know she will be very successful in her basketball career as she has been playing up a year since she started playing. She is killing it."

- "We are each other's biggest fans." She continued. "Whenever one of us is playing the other two can be found in the stands quietly cheering as to not embarrass anyone. I think it is amazing how my father was a successful athlete in his own right. Having three girls who all chose to play sports."

What is the most underrated thing about Canada?

- "We have the best poutine in the world."

Editor's note: "LIES."

What do you believe are the greatest challenges most players are facing today?

= "I feel that one of the biggest challenges facing athletes today is balancing a competitive sports schedule with a 'normal life' schedule. Every student athlete has to prioritize training, school, family, friends, rest and most importantly mental health. All while having pressure to perform consistently."

- "Personally, I have been successful because I have a good support system. My teachers are very understanding, and are always willing to help me in any way. My friends and family are always checking in on me. They are very understanding of my busy schedule. I am grateful for their constant encouragement as not everyone has that."

Close to wrapping this up, but let’s think through this question. What do you see yourself accomplishing in the next five years?

- "In the next five years, I see myself playing in the NCAA. I hope to be a stronger, wiser and overall better player. I will be pursuing a degree in health sciences. I would also like to continue with my volunteer work, and continue coaching younger girls. I feel that it is up to my generation to break down all the barriers in regard to women’s sports. I want to be a role model for other young girls as so many women are to me now. I want to be a loud voice in the fight for equality for women. In five years, a lot can change and I hope to be a small part of that change. If I’m going to dream big, in five years I see myself playing for Team Canada."

Thank you Amalia for taking the time to talk with me. Very glad you had this opportunity. Do you have any words of encouragement or motivation for people? Any last words?

- "I just want to say thank you to you for taking the time to do this, and taking interest in me and my passion. I also want to say that I am definitely grateful for all the people who have helped me throughout this journey. I have been blessed to work with great coaches past, present and trainers. I have played on some amazing teams with many talented and strong girls. I know this is just the beginning, and I have a lot of hard work ahead of me, but I am excited for the future. I know that women’s soccer is growing exponentially every year, and I would love to be a part of that. I also want to say if there is anyone who wants to pursue a future in sports or any other passion, find your GRIT. I set a goal and persevere through any obstacles. I live my life with grit and determination! It’s who I am! Thank you again!"