The Rush Family expands all over the world, from Alaska to India to Argentina, creating a large family tree. A part of this tree is the Melo Family, who have Rush Soccer within their own family roots. Comprised of two Rush alumni, one current player, and an alumni assistant coach, the Melos have multiple generations involved with the Rush.
Over the course of the next few weeks, we will be highlighting the Melo Family members on their accomplishments and how they have been impacted by being a part of the Rush Family.
Natalie Melo, current team captain for Millonarios FC in Bogota, Columbia and oldest sibling in the family, is a Florida Rush alumni with an impressive soccer resume. She played 4 years with Rush before she was recruited to play at Columbia University. She has been playing professional soccer since 2018 and has pursued a career highly saturated with soccer, including positions with FC Barcelona, United States Soccer Federation, and the MLS as well as experience working in the NBA.
Her younger brother, Nico Melo, was an attacking central midfielder for Florida Rush where his team won multiple State Cups, and in one season even made it to the national championships. Nico was called up to the 2011 U-17 National team to play in the 2011 U-17 World Cup in Mexico. He also played collegiately for UNC-Chapel Hill.
Sophia Melo is a current Florida Rush player, playing as a midfielder and striker for the 2010 Girls team coached by Alex Burrell. This is her fourth season playing with Rush.
Father to these soccer athletes is Fabio Melo, who assistant coached Natalie’s team from U15-U18. When he wasn’t assistant coaching, he was volunteer coaching both Natalie and Nicos’ teams during the entirety of their Rush careers. Fabio also played for Millonarios FC, where his daughter Natalie kept the tradition going.
The Melos are a family comprised of multiple generations of Rush Soccer. Stay tuned as we hear from each member about their soccer careers, their goals, their advice, and how Rush has impacted their lives!
