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Vitals & Victories: DeCola’s Upstate Journey
6/27/2025 1:30:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Founders Federal Credit Union is proud to support women's sports programs at USC Upstate, please enjoy the latest feature on USC Upstate women's soccer presented by Founders FCU.
Balancing soccer and nursing is no easy feat. But for Maddy DeCola, it's exactly the challenge she was looking for when she transferred to USC Upstate.
DeCola, a senior from Mahopac, New York, is a vital part of a Spartans squad that made history last fall—winning the Big South Championship and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. USC Upstate went 10-5-4 overall, including a 5-1-2 mark in conference play. DeCola appeared in 16 matches and logged over 500 minutes, often being called upon in key moments. Her steady presence and ability to embrace her role—whether starting or coming off the bench—embody the culture that has been developed under head coach Sharif Saber.
DeCola's infectious personality shines through, even as she brings a fierce competitive edge both on the field and in the classroom. Hailing from a hometown of fewer than 10,000 people, she experienced life in bustling Newark, New Jersey—home to more than 300,000—before landing in Spartanburg. The contrast in environments has shaped her perspective and helped prepare her for whatever comes next.
"I take pride in being a nursing student and student-athlete," DeCola said.
"It gives you a strong sense of teamwork. You're constantly working with others toward a common goal, whether it's on the field or in a hospital setting. I believe I can thrive in any environment."
DeCola's path to Upstate wasn't conventional. She began her collegiate career at Seton Hall before entering the transfer portal in search of a better overall fit—both athletically and academically. As a nursing major, her options were limited. Many schools don't accept nursing transfers, or they discourage athletes from taking on the rigorous major. But USC Upstate was different.
"When I spoke with Coach Sharif [Saber], he really emphasized that we're students first," she said. "That meant a lot to me. I never even visited campus—I just took a leap after learning more and hearing from the girls on the team."
That leap paid off. From day one, DeCola found herself in an environment where support wasn't just talked about—it was felt.
"This is my family," she said. "This has become a part of me, and that's something everybody should experience. There's always some hesitation when transferring, but it was quickly erased in my first few days. Everyone was so welcoming. We have a team where people want to see each other succeed, and that makes all the difference."
That culture is something Coach Saber works hard to build and protect.
"Maddy's transition into our program from Seton Hall was seamless, which is not something we take for granted," Saber said. "She came in open-minded, eager to learn, and genuinely committed to earning the respect of her teammates. Her maturity, professionalism, and selfless attitude made her an immediate fit. She never asked for shortcuts. She simply got to work."
Off the field, DeCola's schedule would make most people's heads spin. Between lectures, clinicals, practices, and road trips, her weeks are a masterclass in time management.
"Typically I have three days of classes and one or two days of clinicals," she said. "There were days I'd be at a hospital from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., then rush back to campus and head straight to practice. I might be a little late, but the coaches always understood and helped me get in extra work when I needed it."
Despite the demands, DeCola still has big dreams—dreams that mirror her work ethic. She ultimately hopes to become a flight nurse, a highly trained professional who responds by helicopter to critical emergencies.
"I've always wanted a job where every day is different," she said. "Being a flight nurse is intense, but that's what excites me."
Now entering her senior year, DeCola is more confident, more grounded, and more appreciative of the journey. She's rediscovered her love for soccer, found a home in Spartanburg, and is preparing for a future that's as bold as it is bright.
"My pitch to any recruit would be simple," she said. "If you want to grow as a person, student, and athlete all at once, this is the place. The girls feel like your second family, the coaches have your back, and it just feels like home."
Whether she's lacing up cleats or putting on scrubs, Maddy DeCola will continue to lead with heart and a deep sense of purpose.
Balancing soccer and nursing is no easy feat. But for Maddy DeCola, it's exactly the challenge she was looking for when she transferred to USC Upstate.
DeCola, a senior from Mahopac, New York, is a vital part of a Spartans squad that made history last fall—winning the Big South Championship and earning a trip to the NCAA Tournament. USC Upstate went 10-5-4 overall, including a 5-1-2 mark in conference play. DeCola appeared in 16 matches and logged over 500 minutes, often being called upon in key moments. Her steady presence and ability to embrace her role—whether starting or coming off the bench—embody the culture that has been developed under head coach Sharif Saber.
DeCola's infectious personality shines through, even as she brings a fierce competitive edge both on the field and in the classroom. Hailing from a hometown of fewer than 10,000 people, she experienced life in bustling Newark, New Jersey—home to more than 300,000—before landing in Spartanburg. The contrast in environments has shaped her perspective and helped prepare her for whatever comes next.
"I take pride in being a nursing student and student-athlete," DeCola said.
"It gives you a strong sense of teamwork. You're constantly working with others toward a common goal, whether it's on the field or in a hospital setting. I believe I can thrive in any environment."
DeCola's path to Upstate wasn't conventional. She began her collegiate career at Seton Hall before entering the transfer portal in search of a better overall fit—both athletically and academically. As a nursing major, her options were limited. Many schools don't accept nursing transfers, or they discourage athletes from taking on the rigorous major. But USC Upstate was different.
"When I spoke with Coach Sharif [Saber], he really emphasized that we're students first," she said. "That meant a lot to me. I never even visited campus—I just took a leap after learning more and hearing from the girls on the team."
That leap paid off. From day one, DeCola found herself in an environment where support wasn't just talked about—it was felt.
"This is my family," she said. "This has become a part of me, and that's something everybody should experience. There's always some hesitation when transferring, but it was quickly erased in my first few days. Everyone was so welcoming. We have a team where people want to see each other succeed, and that makes all the difference."
That culture is something Coach Saber works hard to build and protect.
"Maddy's transition into our program from Seton Hall was seamless, which is not something we take for granted," Saber said. "She came in open-minded, eager to learn, and genuinely committed to earning the respect of her teammates. Her maturity, professionalism, and selfless attitude made her an immediate fit. She never asked for shortcuts. She simply got to work."
Off the field, DeCola's schedule would make most people's heads spin. Between lectures, clinicals, practices, and road trips, her weeks are a masterclass in time management.
"Typically I have three days of classes and one or two days of clinicals," she said. "There were days I'd be at a hospital from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m., then rush back to campus and head straight to practice. I might be a little late, but the coaches always understood and helped me get in extra work when I needed it."
Despite the demands, DeCola still has big dreams—dreams that mirror her work ethic. She ultimately hopes to become a flight nurse, a highly trained professional who responds by helicopter to critical emergencies.
"I've always wanted a job where every day is different," she said. "Being a flight nurse is intense, but that's what excites me."
Now entering her senior year, DeCola is more confident, more grounded, and more appreciative of the journey. She's rediscovered her love for soccer, found a home in Spartanburg, and is preparing for a future that's as bold as it is bright.
"My pitch to any recruit would be simple," she said. "If you want to grow as a person, student, and athlete all at once, this is the place. The girls feel like your second family, the coaches have your back, and it just feels like home."
Whether she's lacing up cleats or putting on scrubs, Maddy DeCola will continue to lead with heart and a deep sense of purpose.
Players Mentioned
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