For my community connections assignment I interviewed my soccer mentor Dehara September, I chose to interview her because as a high level soccer player I look up to her as a leader and as a role model.
When I asked Dehara are you passionate about your job or role, she said:
I am passionate about my role as a soccer coach because I want to see more players succeed in their own passion as a player. I also want to help to empower youth to unlock their potential, their skills and confidence on and off the field.
Then I asked her what obstacles have you faced to get to where you are today? she said:
As a woman of color in a white male dominated industry i have faced many obstacles both as a player and as a coach. These obstacles are equal pay as both a player and a coach and equal opportunities to play in different places and coach higher levels.
i also asked what advice would you pass on to someone interested in what you are doing? she replied
Master your craft, Seek out more experiences and education, be more proactive and remember that just because someone might say no to you, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t capable, it does not mean that you should stop doing what you want to do. Stay focused, keep learning and keep knocking on doors or create your own path.
i asked if she would be open to further contact riverside secondary? she said:
Absolutely!!
the next thing i asked her was what is the favorite team you have played for and why?
i have more than one because I have played on a few different teams that i was extremely proud of for different reasons,
- U19 South African National team & Women’s team – because i got to play internationally and play with some of the best players in the world and i had the privilege to represent South Africa
- Newcastle United Women’s Football Club – because it was a professional team in the WEPL and i grew up watching watching EPL so signing for NUWFC was a complete dream.
- Michigan College Lay Buffs – because i was able to play in Tennessee on a full ride scholarship and that was one of my dreams.
i asked why do you play soccer? she said:
it gives me complete joy and happiness in my heart. I love the competition, the experience of learning and trying new things, the camaraderie, the sport and the life that soccer has given me.
