Player Interview with Illawarra Stingrays Golden Boot Michelle Carney

She has contributed a large number of Illawarra?s century of goals this season and played more than a helping hand in many others. Carney?s partnership with fellow Stingrays striker Michelle Heyman has been dynamic.
Michelle is more than just a valuable player to her Illawarra team. She?s also shown great loyalty in sticking with the club when they suffered demotion from the Arrive Alive Women?s Premier League last season. Her willingness to stand by The Stingrays certainly had an influence on the decision of a number of her team mates to also pledge themselves to the club this season.
Michelle Carney?s experience has been a big asset to her team in 2008. Her skills, her speed, her ability to sniff out a goal, have all proven invaluable. Carney is certainly one of the shining lights in the Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Super League.
Occupation: PE Teacher at James Meehan High. This is my third year there.
Representative Honours: NSWIS (7yrs), Australian Under 21?s, Matildas
Which junior club did you play for? : Began with Cobras then started playing girls football with Marconi. I then moved on to the NSWIS before joining Illawarra Stingrays.
Why football? : Definitely the family connection! I started playing netball but used to kick the soccer ball around with my brother David. He talked me into playing and I loved it. My dad also played at a representative level so the game is certainly in my blood.
Most respected opponent? : Certainly Annisa Tan from my early days. However, I respect every defender!
If you could sign any player in world football to play for Illawarra Stingrays who would it be? : Kylie Ledbrook from Macarthur Rams
If you had to sing a song for karaoke what would it be? : I wanna dance with somebody by Whitney Houston
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with? : Thierry Henry?..no, wait; I?ll change that to Brad Pitt.
Interests outside of football? : Chilling out with my mates and having fun.
Your favourite meal before a game? : A bacon and egg sandwich
Your favourite football memory? : Winning the Grand Final with Marconi. We had a young side and were rated underdogs but came through to beat the NSWIS in the Grand Final.
Who?s the team to beat in the Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Super League? : I?d have to say Western NSW Panthers. We?ve had some great clashes with them already this season. I expect to see them again on Grand Final Day.
Thanks for your time Michelle. We wish you and your Illawarra Stingrays team mates the best of luck in the Grand Final and in the Arrive Alive NSW Women?s Premier League in 2009.
-By Ross Anderson