My journey in football started when I was about 7 years old. I played football in school and also participated in numerous coaching camps outside my school. At the age of 9, I was officially selected to play for the Sports Authority of India (SAI) girl’s team under Chitra Gangadharan. Soon after, I also had the chance to represent the state team of Karnataka, at Senior and Junior nationals (as captain).

As soon as I finished school in 2012, I got invited for trials in the USA with the Oklahoma City University Team. I was in a dilemma between going to the Indian camp versus being a student athlete in the US. I chose the later because it enabled me to have the opportunity to keep learning the game while earning a degree in Kinesiology. I was soon on the Oklahoma City Women’s soccer team, playing in the NAIA (National Association for Intercollegiate Athletics) league as a student athlete.

While I was in the USA, I played on two different university teams (Oklahoma City University & North Texas University club) and one semi-pro team (Dallas City Fc - B in the Women’s Premier Soccer League). I graduated in May 2018 with a degree in Kinesiology from the University of North Texas with 1.5 years of UG research experience.

In September of 2018, I was invited to Madrid Club de Fútbol Femenino - La Liga Division 1 for one month. I was selected to train with Madrid CFF and DSEDU Soccer where I lived and played with an academy and the club reserve team.

While training in Spain, I was evaluated by David Arroyo, a UEFA A licensed coach who saw great potential in me and offered me an opportunity to play football in Spain professionally. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity which would allow me to play in the Division 1 La Liga and represent my country in football one day.

I am currently trying to achieve this dream and need your financial support for 1 season, during this very crucial turning point in my career. I want to represent India both at a national and international platform in the years to come.This initiative will not only help me but it could also open up more avenues for women and girls like me who aspire to play football professionally.

PS. I want to specially thank Praveen Pillay, a documentary filmmaker and photographer for doing such an incredible job on presenting my story. 

https://vimeo.com/praveenpillay