Personal Statement

Soccer has been part of my life, since I first took to the field as a young and energetic six-year-old. From a young age I realised the power of hard work and dedication. My parents were very supportive and drove me to every soccer clinic and training camp available during the school holidays. My goal was to play representative soccer at some level. However, I did have to dig deep and build resilience on the journey.

Resilience was a huge factor in gaining a sport with a NPL1 team - North Shore Mariners in 2016 & 2017. This was a huge step in terms of commitment, dedication, listening to coaches, plus of course juggling the demand of schoolwork. Training with the North Shore Mariners involved 3 sessions a week, plus the travel and warmup sessions required at the games. My parents were very supportive.

During this time with North Shore Mariners, I was faced with many challenges in particular the speed and size of my opponents. However, I did not let this deter me, as I changed my game and made a conscious decision to improve my dribbling and ball skills such as passing. I now consider passing, the ability to read the game and the ability to direct the play and create opportunities for shooting as key strengths in my football ……

For the last two seasons, I have been playing with my school, St. Augustine’s College in the First X1 (Varsity) team. In 2019, I was selected for our representative team as we played top teams from around the state all competing for a spot in the Grand Final for the NSW Combined Catholic Colleges Cup. We made it through to the Grand Final and this was a fabulous experience.

In 2018, I visited Philadelphia on an exchange program for six weeks. I attended Malvern Prep and played and trained with the College. This time in the US has inspired me to pursue my dream to obtain a scholarship and study and play soccer in America.