BIOGRAPHY
Cote Rojas is a professional Chilean soccer player.
Maria Jose "Cote", as they call her in Chile, has an impressive professional playing career. She was the first Chilean female player to be contracted internationally.
Cote Rojas has played professionally in 7 countries and 4 continents, including Germany, the United States, Japan, Lithuania, Czech Republic and Australia.
Cote has played Champions League in Europe and Copa Libertadores in South America, these are two of the most important tournaments at club level in the world.
In 2007, Cote began studying Computer Engineering and playing at the Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso. After her first year and after being a national champion, she moved to Santiago to study and play for Andres Bello University (UNAB). During her time at UNAB, she was crowned 3 times champion and top scorer in her first year.
In 2009 at the age of 19 and due to her outstanding football performance, she was recruited by the University of Texas at San Antonio, in the USA. It was there she played, became champion and finished her 4 years of studies in Business.
- Full name: María José Alondra Rojas Pino.
- Birthday: December 17, 1987.
- Height: 1.55 meters.
- Position: forward.
- Chilean National team debut: 2006.
- Most important achievement: The World Cup France 2019.
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CHILEAN NATIONAL TEAM
Maria Jose Rojas is one of Chile's forwards and she has been part of“La Roja" for more than 13 years. She began her national team campaign in 2005 when she was 17 years old. Her first goal was in 2006 against Venezuela in the U20 South American tournament.
She has been selected to represent Chile in different tournaments including:
- South American U20 - Chile 2006 (World Cup qualifier)
- Bicentenario Cup - Chile 2010
- Algarve Cup - Portugal - 2011
- Pan-American games - Mexico 2011
- Brasilia International tournament - Brazil 2013
- ODESUR Games - Chile 2014
- Copa America 2018 - Chile (would cup qualifier)
- The World Cup France 2019
One of Cote’s most important moments and goals was during the 2018 Copa América campaign. The 2018 Copa America was held in La Serena Chile and it was the turning point for the “La RojaFememina” as it marked their ascent in the FIFA rankings and it was the first time Chile qualified for a World Cup. Cote scored against Uruguay, in front of 18,500 in the 81st minute which gave Chile the victory so as they could advance to the second round for their historical world cup qualification.
WORLD CUP FRANCE 2019
"A DREAM COME TRUE"
“Qualifying and playing in the 2019 Women's World Cup in France was a dream come true. I think for any player, it is one of the greatest goals that one hopes to achieve. It is one of the most unique experiences in a player's professional career, since it consolidates the years of work, training, dedication and commitment. Sharing these moments together with my teammates was by far the most gratifying” MJR
“LA ROJA” JOURNEY TO THE WORLD CUP
“For our country, it was especially significant as it was the first time in our history of women's football that we qualified for the World Cup. I think it was the love and the union of our people that made the unthinkable possible. e
It was a long journey, with moments of happiness, sadness and sweat. A path with many obstacles and challenges, full of work, stress and discipline. But, I enjoyed every moment and all instances.
"There are so many uncontrollable factors in the career of a professional player. However, there is a stable factor, that is you. If you can remain calm, dedicated and focused on your goals in the difficult moments, then you can continue to love and enjoy the sport you practice”. MJR.
"Always play with the passion you have in your heart." Cote Rojas.
THE UNITED STATES
"HOW I BECAME THE SPORTS WOMAN I AM TODAY ".
Cote Rojas immigrated to the United States when she was 19. She was recruited and awarded a full 4- year football scholarship, to play and study at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA). During her freshman year not only did Cote obtain the highest GPA score of 4.0, but she also created history for UTSA when she scored the winning goal in overtime during the final, to give the UTSA Roadrunners their first ever championship. This then led her team to compete in the largest tournament in the USA (NCAA). Cote subsequently finished her studies in Business and graduated in 2014.