WELLESLEY, Mass. — After winning three state championships as a girls soccer player at Camden Hills Regional High School, Camden native Eliza Roy is now toiling on the pitch at Wellesley College, which plays NCAA Division III women’s soccer. 

Roy, who was a captain of the Camden Hills soccer team and graduated in 2019, opted to attend the Massachusetts school for the academic opportunities the school presented and the community environment, including the school’s professional networking opportunities. Her mother, Jill, is an alumna of the school.  

“I knew I wanted the community in college, and I instantly fell in love with the team when I visited Wellesley,” she said. 

Roy, who hopes to study abroad in either Ireland or South America, has not declared a major and, as such, is taking an array of courses in different subject areas to discover her passions.  

“My goal is to explore a variety of classes to figure out what I want to focus on,” she stated. “I am just always going to give my best effort and jump on all the amazing opportunities that Wellesley offers.” 

Though she is not entirely sure what she will do post-graduation, she may join the Peace Corps and eventually will pursue a master’s degree. 

On the field, Roy has focused on becoming faster and stronger to become a bigger threat on offense by scoring more goals. 

“Transitioning to collegiate soccer has definitely made me realize that it’s such a different game than high school and I have to work even harder if I want to be successful,” she said. 

Though she also played on the Camden Hills boys ice hockey and girls tennis teams, Roy knew she wanted to play collegiate soccer due to how much the sport influenced her. 

“A few years into my high school soccer career I realized that I wanted to continue to play in college because I found so much joy in the sport,” she said. “Soccer became such a huge part of my life and I couldn’t imagine not playing.”  

In her freshman season for the Blue, Roy appeared in all 17 contests, starting in 12, and recorded four goals and two assists. 

For those interested in playing collegiate athletics, Roy encourages anyone on the fence to go for it. 

“There can be a lot of hesitation around how much of a commitment it is, but I have no regrets,” she said. “It is the best of both worlds because you get to play a sport you love while gaining an instant family and support system.” 

At Wellesley, Roy loves trips to Boston with friends to study or take a walk around Lake Waban. 

When in the Midcoast, she enjoys a variety of activities from hiking and pond hockey to swimming and camping. 

“I feel so fortunate to have grown up in such a beautiful place,” she commented. “Being away from it has definitely made me realize how much I love and miss it.” 

Roy sources her motivation and inspiration from her mother, who Roy credits with helping her get to where she is today. 

“She has motivated me to reach for every dream and has supported me along the way,” she said. “I hope to one day possess the strength and empowerment that she has.” 

Asked to name her greatest accomplishment thus far, Roy cited being able to study and play soccer at Wellesley. 

“I feel extremely fortunate to be at Wellesley where there are so many educational opportunities,” she stated. “A couple years ago I could’ve only dreamt of playing soccer and being a student at a college like Wellesley.” 

Reach George Harvey and the sports department at: sports@penbaypilot.com.