Rachel Melhado

Class:
Freshman
High School:
Turner Fenton
Hometown:
Brampton, Ont.

2012: Played in 15 matches with 14 starts for the Cardinals' backline which anchored eight shutout performances. Has started 55 career games at UofL while playing in 56 overall. Provided first career assist in Louisville's win over UNCG on Sept. 2. Missed early portion of the season while competing for Canadian National Team at 2012 FIFA U-20 World Cup in Japan. Named to Dean's List and Athletic Director's Honor Roll.

2011: Started all 24 games on the Cardinals' backline and was key contributor in team's nine shutout wins. Played significant minutes as Cardinals earned back-to-back shutout wins against Dayton and No. 5 Memphis in the first two rounds of the NCAA Championship.

2010: Was key contributor to Cardinals' backline starting in 17 games as a freshman. Was an important defender in five Louisville shutouts including road win at No. 13 South Carolina (1-0) and home triumph over rival Kentucky (2-0).

High School: Played four years of prep soccer as well as two years of volleyball and one year of flag football. Played club soccer for Mississauga Falcons G92 and was team captain for five years (since U13). Member of U17 Disney Showcase Tournament champions, U16 OYSL champions and U15 USA Cup champions. Member of U16 Olympic Development Program national champions and Canada Games bronze medalists. Named captain of U15 provincial team and was a member of U14 national champions.

Personal: Born on Sept. 24, 1992 in Mississauga, Ont., Canada. Daughter of Bruce Melhado and Ruth Carelse. Has one younger sister, Renee, and one younger brother, Ethan. Majoring in health and human performance at U of L. Biggest thrills in sports include winning U14 and U16 National All-Star championships, winning U15 USA Cup and winning Disney Showcase Tournament. After college, she plans to become a sports trainer for a professional or college team. Person with the greatest influence on her athletic career is her dad because he has always been there for her in every way possible. Hobbies and outside interests include singing in the shower, dancing in her room (alone) and hanging out with friends and family. Favorite movies include Good Burger, Remember the Titans and The Benchwarmers. Favorite TV shows are The Game, Criminal Minds and Rookie Blue. Favorite food is anything pasta. Favorite restaurant is Red Lobster. Enjoys listening to reggae, dancehall, R&B, hip hop and rap music.