From Green River to the global stage

When you think of a soccer phenom lighting up the field against European powerhouses like Juventus, AC Milan, and Inter Milan, your first thought probably isn't a teenager from Green River, Wyoming. But Isabel Vasco is redefining what it means to be a small-town athlete with big-league dreams-and she's not just showing up on the global stage; she's dominating it.

Vasco recently completed an international soccer trip that included competing in the Torneo Internazionale de Calcio Italia, where she was named the Best Attacker and Most Exciting Player of the Torneo.

The 10-day trip took her from training fields in Italy to some of the highest levels of youth competition in the world. She scored two goals, assisted on two more, and at the end of the tournament, was awarded the Golden Boot-given to the competition's top attacking player.

"It was really fun. A cool experience," Vasco said. "We played against girls going into the pro teams. It was high competition and fast-paced."

Her highlight moment? 

"Scoring my first goal against Inter Milan," she said, smiling. "That one was definitely special."

But it wasn't just the skill of her opponents that made an impact. 

"Everything was faster and more physical," she said. "You had to keep moving constantly-one or two touches, always thinking ahead. Everyone was good."

The level of play helped Vasco grow quickly. She'd already formed bonds with many of her U.S. teammates through ODP (Olympic Development Program) regional events, but this was another step up-playing as part of a squad built from top players across the country. The result? A U.S. team that not only competed with some of the world's best, but beat them.

Back home, Vasco's story continues to grow. She's become a force in Wyoming high school soccer, leading the state this season with 43 goals and 14 assists. Her career total now stands at 151 goals and 33 assists-numbers that place her among the most accomplished players in state history.

"She came into high school, and we all knew she was going to be something special," said Green River Girls Soccer Head Coach Matt Robles. "She's always been super dedicated to perfecting her craft and being the best version of herself as a player."

What stands out most, Robles says, isn't just the numbers-it's her mentality. 

"Isa is probably still one of the most selfless players on the field," he said. "She scores a lot, sure. But she's also got 14 assists this season, and she's always willing to step into different roles for the team."

That willingness was on display when Vasco moved into a defensive role during a close win over Riverton. 

"She played the entire second half at center back just to help us close out the game," Robles said. "Her biggest goal is team success. The girls respect that about her."

Now a two-time team captain, Vasco's leadership goes beyond the stat sheet. 

"She was voted captain by her teammates as both a sophomore and a junior," Robles said. "That says everything."

Off the field, Vasco balances her soccer career with excellence in the classroom, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. She's currently in conversations with multiple Division I programs and has already received full-ride offers.

"I just want to keep improving and working hard every day," she said. "The next step is college-playing D1 and pushing myself as far as I can go."

With one more year in the ODP pipeline, she also has the opportunity to continue developing with national coaches-and potentially earn an invitation to a full U.S. National Team camp.

For now, she's focused on finishing her high school season strong and leading Green River into Regionals. But her path has already made an impression far beyond the pitch.

"Isa's story shows what's possible," said Robles. "She's a Wyoming kid who's earned everything through hard work and humility. We're all lucky to watch it unfold."

Green River is proud-and the journey is just beginning.