Andrew Fasano
Staff Writer
Soccer is more than just a sport for sophomore forward Josie Light, who has recently announced that she will be playing forward for the Philippines women’s national team in the under 19 age group.
In 2018, the team will travel across Asia to play against some of the continent’s most prestigious women’s national teams. The Philippines will not be participating in this year’s AFC Qualifiers tournament but, will continue their preparation and hope to play in the upcoming years.
“Not long ago, I had no idea that I would be where I am now,” Light said. “I train as often as I can, but if it wasn’t for my dad, who has been my motivator and mentor through this whole process, I wouldn’t have even thought about playing for this team.”
In the past year, there have been three open tryouts for the team located in Corona, California. Players must have dual-citizenship with the United States and the Philippines in order to be eligi
ble to play.
“I’m really looking forward to see the other part of where I come from,” Light said. “I’ve always wondered what playing at the national level would be like. I’m also interested in playing different teams and seeing their mentality and intensity in the way they execute the game.”
Light commuted to Corona three times in the past year to tryout for the team. 100 other girls joined her in competing for 15 spots. Light’s club coach, Jack Gidney, believes that it is no surprise that Light made the team.
“Josie is physically very impressive as she possesses great strength and power,” Gidney said. “She also has an eye for the goal and a good habit of being in the right spot at the right time, which is not a skill you can teach, it’s something intrinsic and built around her instinct.”
Light currently plays for Fram Football Club, which is based out of Palos Verdes, California. The team participates in some of the highest level leagues such as California Regional League and the premier divison Coast Soccer League.
“I don’t think that playing in this new environment will faze Light at all,” Gidney said. “She is very level headed and emotionally calm and she is used to competing at a high calibre with her club team.”
Over Light’s 10 years of soccer, and she has picked up some tips along the way that have contributed to her development as a forward. Gidney believes her explosion is what sets her apart from others.
“Light has been not only a great teammate, but a consistent player every time she steps on the field,” Fram teammate forward Caleigh McCauley said. “She’s always working hard and doing all she can to do what is best for the team.”
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