After playing and coaching at Scrosoppi, Alexia Rhooms relocated across the Atlantic at the start of the year to become a professional soccer player for Vilaverdense.

The club competes in the top division of the women’s game in Portugal – Liga BPI – and Rhooms relied on her experience in League1 Ontario and university soccer to push her limits in the new environment.

In the Pro-Am game, which was Canada’s highest level of women’s soccer before the creation of the Northern Super League, she starred for Oakville Blue Devils and Burlington ahead of signing for Scrosoppi.

The Toronto Metropolitan University graduate has now returned to Canada and is ready for her next opportunity.

Alexia, welcome back to Canada; what are you doing now that you are back on home soil?

I currently coach young girls and absolutely love it; it’s rewarding to help them grow both as players and as people. It’s important to me because I want to give back to the game that’s given me so much and continue to inspire the next generation of players.

Now that you’ve had the experience of playing top-division soccer, what are your next goals?

My main goal this year is to return to playing overseas, signing with a new team and continuing to grow in a professional environment. The level was intense, and it took time to adjust, but being pushed like that helped me grow both on and off the field and I’m truly grateful for that. It challenged me to elevate my game, stay disciplined, and keep working.

I also want to keep coaching during the off-season. It’s something that keeps me grounded and truly feels like a piece of my heart. 

How do you think playing for Scrosoppi helped equip you to play at a higher level?

From the very beginning, the club created an environment that pushed me to grow – not just as a player, but as a leader, a coach, and a role model. It gave me the confidence, structure, and support I needed to believe in myself again, and for that, I’ll always be grateful.

Coming back from three ACL injuries over the years has been one of the toughest challenges of my career – especially mentally. My first season at Scrosoppi became a turning point, and I made a promise to myself that I would push harder than ever, and I did. Whether that meant arriving early or staying late after training with teammates to get in the extra work, I committed fully.

Could you name someone from Scrosoppi who helped bring the best out of you during that time?

My best friend and teammate, Sahara Zingano. After finishing our university careers, we made the decision to play one more summer together before going overseas – and that decision ended up making my summer unforgettable.

Sahara and I trained together every single day, and she brings out the best in me, not just as a player, but as a person. On the hard days, when I was struggling mentally or not performing the way I wanted to, she was always the one person I could turn to. Her presence made it easier to reset and take on the next day with strength and confidence. I can’t wait to see her play for Barcelona one day, and support her every step of the way.

Keeping in mind all the challenges you overcame, what was the moment like when you became a professional player?

All of that hard work, that persistence and belief, came full circle when I got the call that I was heading overseas to play professionally. That moment was everything. The staff at Scrosoppi supported me from day one and always knew what my goals were. To have a club stand behind me like that – it made the achievement that much more meaningful.

And now you are the one standing behind young players. What’s it like coaching a new generation of players in the Scrosoppi academy?

One of the most rewarding parts of my time here has been the chance to coach while playing. I absolutely love working with the young girls in the academy. Seeing them at Scrosoppi games, cheering us on with the same energy and heart they bring to their own practices, is incredibly fulfilling. 

Do you have any particular goals you would like to achieve as a coach?

One of my goals is to coach at the university level one day, and I also want to get involved in mentorship for young athletes. Helping them navigate their own pathways and being a support system – especially for girls in sport – is something I’m really passionate about. I’ve had incredible people help me along my journey, and I want to be that person for others.

Do you have a key message to some of those academy players and young sports people looking to progress to higher levels?

My message to younger players is to never give up on your dreams. Your journey is your own, no one else’s. Protect it, believe in it, and pour everything you have into it. There will be challenges, setbacks, and moments of doubt, but if you stay true to yourself and remember why you started, you’ll find your way.