Alexa Pino is a rising star who represents the future of the Philippines Women’s National Football Team. At just 18 years old, she has successfully transitioned from a dominant high school player in the United States to a national hero in Southeast Asia. Known for her incredible two-footed ability, creative vision, and composure under pressure, she played a vital role in securing a historic gold medal for the Filipinas. Currently moving to the University of Kentucky, Pino is a versatile attacker ready to lead the next generation of Filipino talent on the global stage.
At a Glance
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Alexa Marie Troisi Pino |
| Date of Birth | 2007 |
| Place of Birth | Norwalk, Connecticut, USA |
| Position | Forward / Attacking Midfielder |
| Current Club | University of Kentucky (Incoming Transfer, Spring 2026) |
| National Team | Philippines Women’s National Football Team (The Filipinas) |
The Story So Far
Born in Connecticut in 2007, Alexa Pino’s football journey began in the highly competitive youth systems of the United States. Her connection to the Philippines comes through her father’s lineage, and she was identified early as a key talent for the national team’s long-term growth. While many players join the national team later in their careers, Pino was integrated into the “Filipinas” culture as a teenager, building a deep loyalty to the program.
Her high school career at St. Joseph High School was nothing short of legendary. Pino became a household name in Connecticut, winning three consecutive Gatorade Player of the Year awards—a feat achieved by only a handful of athletes. She led her team to multiple state championships, consistently delivering goals and assists in the biggest moments. She finished her high school career as the all-time leading scorer for her school and conference, with over 120 goals. Off the field, she showed her leadership by founding Goals for Goals, a charity that uses soccer events to collect food and clothing for those in need.
In 2024, Pino captained the Philippines U17 team in the Asian Cup before being fast-tracked to the senior squad. Her senior international debut in June 2025 was a dream start, as she scored in a 3-0 win against Saudi Arabia. Her star power reached new heights during the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand. Pino scored a brilliant hat-trick against Malaysia to send the team to the knockout rounds and later converted a high-pressure penalty in the final shootout against Vietnam. This victory secured the Philippines’ first-ever SEA Games Gold Medal, cementing her status as a national icon.
Style of Play & Tactical Analysis
Pino is a modern, versatile attacker who often operates as a 9.5—a hybrid between a striker and a playmaker. Her most dangerous attribute is her genuine two-footedness. She is equally comfortable driving inside and shooting with her left foot or crossing with her right, making her a constant puzzle for defenders to solve.
Her tactical flexibility allows her to impact the game in several ways:
- As a Playmaker (#10): She has the vision to drop deep into midfield, collect the ball, and slip precise passes through to other forwards.
- As a Striker (#9): She possesses great instincts in the box and a natural sense of timing to arrive at the right moment to finish chances.
- Set-Piece Specialist: Pino is the primary choice for corners, free kicks, and penalties, adding extra value to her team in tight matches.
Psychologically, Pino is known for having a clutch gene. Whether it is scoring a last-minute equalizer in a state final or stepping up in an international gold medal shootout, she performs better as the pressure increases. While she is not an aerial target due to her height, she uses a low center of gravity to spin away from opponents in tight spaces and keep the ball under control.
Future Outlook
After gaining valuable experience during her freshman season at the University of South Carolina, Pino has transferred to the University of Kentucky for the 2026 season. This move to a rebuilding Kentucky program is expected to give her a starting role and the opportunity to be a focal point of the attack in the competitive SEC.
On the international stage, she is viewed as the cornerstone of the national team for the next decade. Her immediate focus will be the 2026 AFC Women’s Asian Cup, where the Philippines will fight for a spot in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup. If she continues her current development, she is on track to become a recognizable name in global women’s football.
The Trophy Case (Honours)
| Honour | Year(s) |
| SEA Games Gold Medal | 2025 |
| SEA Games Golden Boot (Co-Winner) | 2025 |
| Gatorade Connecticut Player of the Year | 2022-23, 2023-24, 2024-25 |
| CIAC State Champion (St. Joseph) | 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| United Soccer Coaches All-American | Two-time selection |
