The 21-year-old has been part of North Toronto Soccer for seven years and played right wingback for our League1 Ontario Women’s Premier Division team this season.
From your first kick at North Toronto Soccer to now, how would you describe your experience?
I still remember the very first NT practice I attended when I was younger with Marko [Milanovic], and I remember leaving feeling like I had been introduced to an entire different way of approaching and playing the game. I had played for the same club my whole life, and that one practice was enough for me to decide to join NT and start something new. It was the best decision I have ever made in my soccer career, and I owe so much of my success in soccer and in life to this club.
Almost all of my close friendships have stemmed from playing at NT, and all of my best and happiest memories in soccer include time spent playing here. NT has cultivated such a healthy environment for players to express themselves on and off the field, while also challenging them to be better players and humans. The coaches are all so dedicated and involved in their work, and it shows in the club’s success among all levels.
I am so happy and excited to continue making memories with the L1O Premier team this year and going forward, as we look to build our League1 Women’s Program to be one of the best in the province.
What is your main highlight from your time at NT and why?
It is so hard to choose one specific highlight from my time here, so I would say that my time spent playing with my youth team under Marko was probably the best time of my life. If you ask anyone in the club, they will tell you how special it is to be coached by someone like Marko, and how much they learned about the game and themselves while being coached by him. I also met all of my best friends while playing on that team and getting to make memories and celebrate our success together is something I will be forever grateful for.
How pleased are you with your progress so far this year, and why?
I am so proud of this team. We were one of the top female contenders in the province and it is so deserved; the amount of time and effort that this team puts in on a weekly basis is evident when you look at the success we’ve had this season.
The League1 Women’s Program at this club is so talented across all levels, and it is truly a privilege to be surrounded by so many amazing players and people.
How do you prepare for each gameday?
Depending on the time and day of the game, my typical gameday routine includes waking up early enough to eat two or three meals and take a pre-game nap, which is essential!
I also stretch and roll out really well, because my body gets angry at me if I don’t! On the way to the game I have a special gameday playlist that I listen to in the same specific order every time, and then it’s a bit of party music once I hit the change room. I find that I play my best when I don’t overthink things, so I try to keep a clear head as much as possible and focus on the things that I am in control of. I also find that bringing positive energy into the team environment before games also helps, and it lets everyone feed off each other.
Which fellow North Toronto Soccer Club player in particular is helping to bring the best out of you, and why?
The young girls that I help coach at NT help to bring the best out of me. I never truly understood my impact as a player outside of my time on the field until I got the opportunity to mentor and teach young players at the club. I remember them being so excited to meet me and watch my games, and they are so curious – much more curious than I was at that age – about the game, which is really exciting.
Do you have any interests beyond soccer, and if so, why are they important to you?
I am studying Education in school, so I really enjoy working with kids and being able to teach and coach – it’s something that I’ve wanted to do my whole life and soccer has acted as a gateway for me to be able to get involved with youth in my community. I will always remember my favourite teachers and coaches and the positive impacts that they’ve had on my life, and I hope to be able to do the same for others.
What are your targets for this year, and beyond?
I still have at least two years left of school, so I will be playing in university until then. After that I will see where the game takes me, whether that’s going professional, or coaching, or travelling and teaching; at the moment I’m really just focused on enjoying what I get to do right now
What’s your message to younger players aspiring to play high-level soccer at NT?
Always be open to learn and try new things. We are so lucky to have so much talent in the players and the staff at this club, and there is always so much to learn from each other. Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions or make mistakes because that is the best way to learn.
