Stephanie Skilton Talks New Zealand Football
1/12/2017 1:11:00 PM | Women's Soccer
The Auckland, New Zealand native has been a part of N.Z. teams for over 7 years.
SYRACUSE, N.Y. – On a cold, rainy night in Chestnut Hill, Mass. the Syracuse women's soccer team's season came to a close. For senior Stephanie Skilton, it was her final game for the Orange, but for the New Zealand native it won't be her last.
For the past seven years the Auckland native has represented New Zealand at various levels and will accompany the Ferns on their upcoming tour of Thailand. Skilton has her sight set on a couple of goals for her performance in the short-term and long-term form.
"My short term goals are to be consistent with my performance within each tour I attend, so before selection or upcoming tours, I will put in extra work to make sure I am in the best physiological shape possible, as well as technically prepared and confident," Skilton said. "My long term goals are to be selected for future tours working my way towards selection and participation in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2020 Olympics with the Football Ferns."
Previously, Skilton has competed at the U17 World Cup (2010), U20 World Cup (2012), U20 World Cup (2014), along with competing with the New Zealand Women's National Team in Cyprus, Brazil, America, and New Zealand.
Skilton is excited to continue her soccer career post-college, but more importantly she is proud to represent her country.
"Playing for your country in the sport you absolutely love is something special," Skilton said. "It takes the passion, pride, enjoyment and fulfillment that I get from soccer to a whole new level. Wearing that Fern on my chest and stepping out onto the international stage is an unforgettable and mesmerizing experience."
Being a part of the New Zealand team has been something Skilton has wanted to do since her childhood. It's a lifelong dream she is still chasing to this day.
"Representing New Zealand at an international level has been a goal and aspiration of mine from a very young age," Skilton said. "I will stay motivated and dedicated to pursue my ambition to one day make the starting lineup for the Football Ferns."
For now, Skilton is on the path to achieving her goals, but she knows her past four years at Syracuse were building blocks for her not only on the pitch, but off it as well.
"I found my coaches at Syracuse especially supportive and they were crucial aspects of what helped me pursue and be available for selections and tours throughout the season," Skilton said. "My family and teammates were also amazing support systems who helped keep me dedicated to working hard to make tours, as well as staying focused on academic demands."
Skilton may not wear a Syracuse jersey again, but she will go on to represent the Orange at a high level. She will forever have a home in Syracuse.
For the past seven years the Auckland native has represented New Zealand at various levels and will accompany the Ferns on their upcoming tour of Thailand. Skilton has her sight set on a couple of goals for her performance in the short-term and long-term form.
"My short term goals are to be consistent with my performance within each tour I attend, so before selection or upcoming tours, I will put in extra work to make sure I am in the best physiological shape possible, as well as technically prepared and confident," Skilton said. "My long term goals are to be selected for future tours working my way towards selection and participation in the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2020 Olympics with the Football Ferns."
Previously, Skilton has competed at the U17 World Cup (2010), U20 World Cup (2012), U20 World Cup (2014), along with competing with the New Zealand Women's National Team in Cyprus, Brazil, America, and New Zealand.
Skilton is excited to continue her soccer career post-college, but more importantly she is proud to represent her country.
"Playing for your country in the sport you absolutely love is something special," Skilton said. "It takes the passion, pride, enjoyment and fulfillment that I get from soccer to a whole new level. Wearing that Fern on my chest and stepping out onto the international stage is an unforgettable and mesmerizing experience."
Being a part of the New Zealand team has been something Skilton has wanted to do since her childhood. It's a lifelong dream she is still chasing to this day.
"Representing New Zealand at an international level has been a goal and aspiration of mine from a very young age," Skilton said. "I will stay motivated and dedicated to pursue my ambition to one day make the starting lineup for the Football Ferns."
For now, Skilton is on the path to achieving her goals, but she knows her past four years at Syracuse were building blocks for her not only on the pitch, but off it as well.
"I found my coaches at Syracuse especially supportive and they were crucial aspects of what helped me pursue and be available for selections and tours throughout the season," Skilton said. "My family and teammates were also amazing support systems who helped keep me dedicated to working hard to make tours, as well as staying focused on academic demands."
Skilton may not wear a Syracuse jersey again, but she will go on to represent the Orange at a high level. She will forever have a home in Syracuse.
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