Kayla O’Connor '23 Recruiting Profile

Most kids wouldn’t move across the world to a country where they didn’t yet speak the language in the middle of a pandemic.

Most kids weren’t kicking their baby mobile with their feet before they could even walk.

I was born a footballer, and ever since I was old enough to ask, “can I play?”, it’s been who I am.

I’m fortunate to have had these opportunities, even more fortunate to have learnt from some of FC Barcelona’s finest coaches.

I’ve learnt how to analyse the game, not just play. I’ve learnt tactics as much as technique.

I’ve learnt what it means to sacrifice, to live far from home and family, to be the only female in an all-male squad, to put in hours of hard work, to discipline myself to keep up with a full-time IB Program and training schedule (with both a u17 group of international boys, and a U19 Women’s Primera Division squad), and to know that it doesn’t matter how many times you fall down, as long as you get back up.

But above all, I’ve learnt that football is played with the head and heart as much as the feet.

And I’m thrilled to give my whole heart to my new College team, where I would love to also study towards a career in Sports Journalism.

Being College Captain and Service Captain helped teach me how to lift others up. Being involved in several leadership roles on and off the field means I understand how to put the team first, and I understand that together we are stronger.

Thank you for taking a moment to learn a little of my story, I look forward to learning a little of yours.