Margherita Giubilato has taken a long journey from Italy to the Midwest of the United States to continue her soccer career.

There’s a necessary adjustment for every college freshman as they begin their college journey. For the University of Kansas’ Margherita Giubilato, that will include more than just mastering the campus terrain. The Jayhawks’ forward is arriving in Lawrence, Kansas by way of her native Italy. “I thought that coming to the University of Kansas would provide me with an experience like no other,” Giubilato said. “Lawrence, Kansas is definitely very different from where I am from in Italy. So far I have enjoyed getting to know the area, as well as the people. I also like that Lawrence is a small town where everyone takes care of each other.”

Also unlike a lot of college freshman athletes, Margherita brings top-flight professional experience to the roster. She’s played multiple years with A.S.D Verona Calcio in the Women’s Serie A. “Playing in Women’s Serie A was a good experience for me as it pushed me on the pitch. It allowed me to compare myself to some of the best players in Europe. I was able to learn from each and every one of them,” she explained.

The 18-year-old has also featured for the U-16, U-17, and U-19 Italy’s junior national teams. But, her international soccer dream does not end there. She said, “It is always an honor to be able to play for your country and represent the people of Italy. It is every girl’s dream to be able to play for the women’s national team. Growing up, I dreamt of putting on that uniform and being able to represent my country. The thought of that opportunity excites me and pushes me to be better every day.”

Obviously, Italy has one of the most extensive soccer traditions. I asked her who some of her favorite players were from Gli Azzurri, male and female. She answered, “As a female, I love Melania Gabbiadini because she is an icon for women’s soccer in Italy as she is the captain of the national team in Italy. As for male players, I really like Andrea Pirlo and Alessandro del Piero.”

Now, the Martellago native brings her Italian pedigree to the University of Kansas Jayhawks. This season, they are off to a 7-2 start, losing their match last night vs. highly-ranked BYU. Despite the loss, expectations should remain high for this year’s squad. “Our team has so much potential. Coming here, I was very blown away by the amount of talent there is on this team. Aside from the talent, the team chemistry within the squad is one of a kind. Everyone supports each other and pushes each other to be their best, both on and off the field,” Margherita said.

Off the pitch, she is growing to appreciate American music more and she said her favorite American movie is Home Alone. “I typically enjoy comedies as well as romantic movies! I hate scary movies,” she said.

Margherita and her teammates will feature in a Sunday matinee when they host Kennesaw State at 12 PM Central Time. You can watch the action on ESPN+.