LOS BAJOS, Trinidad and Tobago - Former women's soccer standout Mariah Shade ('14) recently signed a professional football contract with US (Union Sportive) Rouvroy of the French Women's League marking her first professional experience since graduation.
"I knew some day it would have been a reality for me because I've dreamt about it as a child and it has always been my focus" mentioned Shade. "It's a great start to my professional career and now that I have my foot in the huge European football market, I'm very excited to see what other doors will open from here."
Shade's contract will run through May which is the end of the 2015-16 season. The striker is no stranger to the big-stage as she has been a regular member of the Trinidad and Tobago women's national team in 2014 and 2015 and she's excited for a chance to represent her country in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil as part of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games as the "Women Soca Warriors" begin Olympic Qualifying play in Texas on February 11th.
Shade remembers being one game away from qualifying for the World Cup this past year as they dropped a nail-biter of a game to Ecuador in December 2014, 1-0. Nearly 25,000 people came out to support the small nation, Shade recalled, stating that the sport is something that brings us together and gives us strength.
"It's always an Honor to wear a Trinidad and Tobago jersey playing the sport I love" commented Shade. "When we lost the fans were heartbroken just as much as us players. A whole nation went into mourning after that loss. Now it's time for our nation to rejoice again [with an Olympic berth]."
Shade often reflects about her time at AIC, where she spent three seasons, scoring 12 goals and adding eight assists for 32 points, eluding to the teams run to the Final Four in 2013 as a moment she will cherish forever. Shade notched the game-winning goal in the NCAA Tournament second round during a 2-0 victory over Bridgeport and followed that by scoring both goals in a 2-0 shutout victory over Saint Rose to capture the 2013 East Regional Championship.
"It was history for the school and it was great being part of it" said Shade. "Also scoring some important goals that helped us get to the Final Four was an honor for me."
When asked about Shade, current Director of Athletics and former women's soccer coach Matthew Johnson stated that she was one of the most talented soccer players he had the pleasure of coaching.
"Mariah has all the tools, she is technically sound, has above average speed, can strike the ball with both feet and has the ability to break defenders down off the dribble" commented Johnson. "In addition, she performed at a very high level academically, was very coachable and was always a great teammate."
Current head coach Kevon Isa, who hails from Trinidad himself, recruited Mariah and wanted to bring her in so she would have the chance to compete at the next level one day.
"It's good for Mariah and the country" mentioned Isa. "There's a lot of talent in Trinidad, but they don't get enough exposure."
It's no surprise that Mariah has continued her soccer career at such a high level since graduating in May of 2014 and she will always be grateful for her time as a member of the Yellow Jackets.
"My time at AIC continually showed me how much I wanted to continue playing football. My drive and passion for the game increased and I learnt so much of myself on and off the field. I grew as a person, and as an athlete" Shade concluded.
Trinidad begins play on February 11th in Houston as they battle Guatemala at 6 p.m. EST, they then play Canada on the 14th at 4 p.m. EST and conclude the round-robin stage on the 16th versus Guyana.
If they finish top two in their group they move to the semi-finals on February 19th with a victory to secure themselves a spot in the Olympics and they then play for the Championship on the 21st.
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