Player Interview with NWS Koalas star striker Alicia Cavanagh
Alicia Cavanagh
Occupation: Operates a fitness centre, Strongarm Boxing, which specialises in boxing techniques to achieve peak fitness.
Representative honours: Played for Australian schoolgirls and also represented at state level. Biggest thrill was being part of the Australian Under 21?s which competed in the Nordic Cup a few years back. I also play Futsal for the mighty, undefeated Western Raiders!
Current club: NWS Koalas
Which junior club did you play for?: I had played for Marconi Stallions from the age of 15. They spotted me at Westfields Sports High and signed me up.
Why football?: It was really a family thing. My father was a keen player as was my brother. When my brother used to go to training I went along and kicked the ball around with the boys. Our weekend?s revolved around football and my involvement progressed from there.
Player you admire?: I have a lot of admiration for players like Anissa Tan and Tracey Bartlett from my early days at Marconi. They provided plenty of encouragement and, when I was playing in the younger grades, help to get me opportunities to sit on the bench for first grade. This gave me a great introduction to senior football.
I also greatly admire our Matildas and what they achieved at the last World Cup.
Most respected opponent?: Kylie Ledbrook from Macarthur Rams. A very difficult opponent to play against.
Interests outside of football?: Boxing fitness and just relaxing by going to the movies or out to dinner.
Favourite meal before a game?: I like to have a pasta meal the night before a game. Bolognese is my favourite. On the day of the match I just like to have something light for lunch like a good sandwich.
Who?d be your ideal dinner date?: Can I have two? Though I?ve never played basketball Michael Jordan has always been someone I?ve admired. The other would be Richard Branson who I?d love to sit down and discuss business philosophy and the like with.
Favourite football memory?: There?s nothing like scoring the winning goal in a Grand Final. I?ve been lucky enough to do that.
Who are the teams to beat in the Arrive Alive NSW Womens Premier League?: Well, I like to think that NWS Koalas are certainly a contender. We have a quality side this season. When talking about quality though, Marconi, as always will be tough to beat. Macarthur Rams also look to be one of the top sides again.
Thanks for your time Alicia. Good luck to you and the NWS Koalas for the remainder of the 2008 Arrive Alive NSW Womens Premier League season.
