Monique admits that she “didn’t really know what to expect” upon arriving at William Penn University.
“I just knew it was going to be something new, something different, and it definitely was that, that’s for sure!” she explains.
One of the first major differences Monique noticed, was the different playing style between America and home.
Monique reflects back to the first game she played and laughs, remembering it felt like she got “slapped in the face”.
“Over there, they’re so quick, so fit. Physically, they’re so buff and able to play. Over here, we’re more dependent on passes and touch. Even if you’re not quick here, or if you have a little bit of weight on you, you can still play well. Over there, everyone seems to be so fit, and they can keep running and will sprint straight past you and you try to keep up but you can’t always,” she said.
Monique saw it as a great challenge to improve her own self, and since involving herself in the training regimen such as weight lifting, she can see real differences in her own physicality.
“I’m able to hold my ground a little bit more. I’m quicker, I feel like I can react a little bit quicker, and I have a better touch for sure,” she said.
Aside from the soccer field, Monique is also making incredible strides in the classroom.
The young star is studying exercise science, and made the prestigious Dean’s List during her very first semester.
It’s not always soccer and studying, though! Monique explains she is loving the social campus life, as a happy break between the two.
“During the week if you’re not studying or catching up with friends, you can always watch something in the library, or pull a movie out. There’s always a lot to do,” she explains.
Her busy schedule means that Monique never feels alone.
“I never really felt like I’d left. It was weird. When I was there, I didn’t really feel like I was too far away,” she explains.
Monique credits her absence of home-sickness to the close relationships she’s made with new teammates and other friends.
“The team becomes your family. You miss it [home] a bit, but you’re so busy doing everything that you don’t really think about it too much,” she said.
American holidays are never spent alone, with Monique explaining she’s always invited to her friends’ homes to celebrate the holidays, describing it as very “welcoming.”
Overall, Monique’s experience has been a life-changing opportunity.
The talented athlete shares with us the moment she realised her journey was a reality:
“I went to San Francisco over Christmas to a friend’s home, and went to see the Golden Gate Bridge and thought, ‘Wow, what I am doing…’”
What an awesome sight that would have been! Thanks for the insight, Monique!