Kicking goals in the USA

This year, Dawson heads to California State University after recently graduating from Dodge City Community College in Kansas with high honours.

She said the two year scholarship would bring her many opportunities which included playing defense in the division two women’s soccer team ‘The Toros’ at the California Conference.

“It is an exciting next step and I feel grateful for the opportunities I have been given and continue to receive,” she said.

“Dodge City was a great experience, I played soccer as a Conquistador and studied among new found friends.”

Dawson said her team performed well in their first year conference but did not do so well the following year.

“Unfortunately, in the second year we lost many players to injuries, but I was able to play alongside my best friend and sister Siobhan who moved to Kansas also, so it was still a great season,” she said.

“Being coached by Tim Romanello and Oscar Zelaya taught me new things as a player and gave me a lot more confidence with the ball than I ever had.”

During her final year in Kasas, Dawson was honoured with the leadership role of captain and used her newfound confidence and skills to build up the team.

“The skill level is a lot more technical in the US and I was able to adjust during her first year at Dodge,” she said.

“I am ready for my next adventure in California this fall.”

Dawson said she would be faced with more challenges in California including an increased workload as she headed into her degree of creative media.

“Although soccer is still a main focus, I will have an increased study load to ensure I graduate with high honours,” she said.

“Hopefully I gain a job offer or internship out of university which will allow me to stay in the US for longer and see where that takes me.

“Right now I just hope to do my family proud, continue getting good grades and help my team have a good record this season.”