Vanessa began playing soccer in elementary school in a local house league in Rockland. After just one season, she was invited to join a competitive team, where her development accelerated quickly. Playing primarily as a defender, she developed a strong sense of positioning, game awareness, and leadership. Year after year, her team consistently finished in first place, earning promotion to higher divisions each season.

By the time she reached high school, many players began stepping away from the sport, but Van remained committed to competing at a high level. She earned a spot with St. Anthony’s Soccer Club, where the team had a strong season and finished second against the Gloucester Hornets.

Motivated to push herself further, Van tried out for the Hornets the following year and successfully made the team. That season was a highlight of her playing career—competing at a high level and traveling to tournaments across the United States, gaining valuable experience and exposure.

She continued playing competitively until the summer after graduating high school. As many teammates moved on to college and stepped away from the sport, Van also took a brief break.

However, her passion for the game never faded. The following year, she returned to soccer through a women’s league and continued playing in an indoor co-ed league, where she was named team captain, taking on a leadership role both on and off the field.