Natalie Murillo is only 10 years old, but she has already shown her talent on the soccer field in a big way. She recently was chosen to compete in the 2024 Surf Cup International in Salou, Spain Nov. 28 through Dec. 1. The global elite competition allows players to experience high-level matches against top youth teams from around the world, showcasing diverse styles of play and pushing players to reach their peak potential.
For the past three and a half years, Natalie has been playing for Riverside County’s Empire Surf, which started as Legends Temecula. Her mother, Lauren Silvas, explained the intense process that led to her daughter’s exciting trip to Europe.
“Originally, her club coach recommended her to try out for a regional team where all Surf teams in California, Nevada, and Arizona sent their best players,” Silvas said. “After a five-hour tryout weekend with 75 girls, she made that team and got recommended to try out for the National team. Each region of the country then sent their best to the National try out. Another five-hour tryout and about 75 more girls later, she was picked!”
As a member of the Surf Select 2014 Girls Blue 11U, Natalie and her teammates got to compete alongside and connect with players from clubs representing all seven continents, fostering friendships and learning about different cultures through the universal language of soccer. The young Soboba Tribal member was happy to share the field with her Empire Surf teammate Ava Mahal Ganan and two from the regional San Diego Surf team – Addie Cox and Chloe Deppe.
The Surf Select team was coached by Peter Stogsdill, who serves as the Executive Director for San Diego Surf, and has been coaching club and high school soccer for more than 30 years. The Surf Nation mission is to create the ‘Best of the Best’ experiences and opportunities for youth soccer players through its clubs, events and facilities.
“What I like most about soccer is having fun and enjoying the sport,” said Natalie, who plays year-round. When not playing, she likes to hang out with friends and family, go ice skating and go to amusement parks.
Natalie comes from an athletic family. Both of her uncles played college baseball. Most recently, her uncle Steven Silvas played for Azusa Pacific University. All of Lauren’s uncles, her father and brothers still play Rez softball most weekends out of the year.
The Surf Cup International provides a platform that brings dreams to life by connecting aspiring players to a global network, opening doors to future opportunities in soccer and beyond.
During their eight-day stay in Spain, Lauren and her partner and Natalie enjoyed sightseeing in Barcelona, Tarragona, and went to an FC Barcelona match. Along with the four matches Natalie played in, winning two, it was an action-packed and memorable trip for all.
“The thing I enjoyed most was making new friends and seeing what good competition they have out there,” Natalie said. “And playing with good players.”
For more information, please visit https://empiresurfsoccer.com.
Photos courtesy of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians
