The 18-year-old forward has reflected on her two years at North Toronto Soccer Club and looks ahead to the new League1 Ontario Women’s Premier Division season.
From your first kick at North Toronto Soccer Club to now, how would you describe your experience?
Since arriving at North Toronto I have had a great experience. The training environment, players and coaching staff are phenomenal to play alongside each day. Each training session is well structured and competitive, and the environment at North Toronto is the best for player development.
At North Toronto I have found confidence in my game and developed as a player and person significantly. The quality of players that North Toronto is producing is a testament to Doug Blair [former Executive], Billy Wilson [Executive and Technical Director] and the club for the professional environment they create.
What is your main highlight from your time at North Toronto Soccer Club and why?
My main highlight was during the 2022 League1 Ontario season against BVB IA Waterloo. This was a special experience because we were able to walk out alongside the Scarborough Simbas – a non-profit organization that offers recreational opportunities for refugees, underprivileged, and at-risk Muslim youth. I recall walking out with a young boy who said to me, “This is the best day of my life!”
In that moment, I realised that soccer is far beyond just a game and its impacts are everlasting.
How pleased are you with your progress so far this year, and why?
I am very pleased with my progress this year; I have achieved one of my top goals which was committing to an NCAA Division I university [George Mason University]. Playing for North Toronto during the 2022 L1O season accelerated my development, and I had the privilege of playing with top players in Canada as well as being coached by some of the best in the game, and playing against competition that challenged and pushed me to improve.
How would you describe your coaches at North Toronto Soccer Club?
Billy is a key figure at North Toronto who has helped me develop as a player. His knowledge, dedication and passion for the game is unmatched. His coaching has shaped me into the player I am today.
From September to December, Marko Milanovic was the head coach of the U21s and in each practice, he emphasized the importance of individual habits and offered many insightful coaching tips that helped build me into a more complete player.
How do you prepare for each gameday?
Each game day I follow the same process. The night before I will watch the film of the team we are playing so that I can visualize positive thoughts as I fall asleep. On the way to the field I have a gameday playlist to prepare me mentally and Billy runs us through a dynamic warm-up 40 minutes prior to kick-off.
What are your thoughts on your upcoming games?
I am very excited for this upcoming season. Last year we were one point away from clinching a playoff spot, and we had a number of ties that could easily be turned into wins this year. What’s unique about North Toronto is we are a young team representing the top of the club’s development pathway. This season we will be able to build on our record from last year especially with a mix of current and incoming players.
Which fellow North Toronto Soccer Club player in particular is helping to bring the best out of you, and why?
Jessie De Boer and Sarah Rollins are two players who come to mind. Jessie is our captain and Sarah Rollins is a prominent centre-back. Through playing with Jessie in the 2022 season she brought her knowledge and understanding of the game; she is a great leader and her willingness to teach and inspire brings the best out of me on and off the pitch. Sarah Rollins is a competitor and has a strong desire to win, and when we play each other in practice we challenge each other to compete at our best.
Do you have any interests beyond soccer, and if so, why are they important to you?
After my soccer career is finished, I plan to stay involved in the soccer community for as long as possible. In school, I am minoring in sports management. In the coming years I plan to obtain my degree and coaching licences. Soccer is my passion and has been my passion since I was young. In the future I hope to coach full-time to pass on my knowledge of the game to aspiring players.
What are your targets for this year, and beyond?
This year my target is to keep improving each day so that I can help North Toronto and George Mason accomplish their team objectives. Someday I would like to play professional soccer and use my platform to help others realize their dreams.
What’s your message to younger players aspiring to play high-level soccer at North Toronto Soccer Club?
My message to young players is to believe in yourself and play with confidence. Soccer is a mental game; the mental aspect of the game is just, if not more important than the physical side.
No matter the adversity and challenges that come your way it is important that you persevere, and with time, rewards will come. Enjoy every moment you have with the ball at your feet because soccer truly is a privilege.
