By: Matthew Fowler, Soccer SID
NATCHITOCHES – Once in a while, a student-athlete gets the rare opportunity of a lifetime to be a part of something special and something that will stay with them forever, but for one Northwestern State student that dream has come through twice.
Lady Demon sophomore forward Ashlee Savona was named to the Guyana National Soccer team more than a year ago, but in 2011 she has been named co-captain for the Guyana National CONCACAF Under 20 team playing the center midfield position.
The native of Canada is able to play for the Guyanese because her mother is a native of the country, but nonetheless she feels she is just as much apart of that country as the others.
“This is going to be my fourth time going to Guyana and I don't think many people can say they have been down there that many times,” said Savona. “I can already picture where we're going to be, the stadium, the hotel, the streets, and how it all looks.
“It's pretty much like a third home behind Natchitoches and Canada,” said Savona.
The soccer standout will help lead a team that has a chance to participate on one of the biggest stages in sports, the World Cup.
“I've been with the team ever since it started, and now they are looking for leaders because it has a lot of younger girls,” said Savona. “I was chosen because I have been through this before and I know how to handle the situations.”
Savona feels that the national team she has been a part of the past year has helped the growth of soccer among women in Guyana, leading to more native girls being a part of the team.
“It is amazing the growth of soccer in Guyana the past three years,” said Savona. “We've come down to visit and they have taken us to a girl's home and we have exposed them to soccer and even the little things that we bring really does help them.
“Soccer really can help them out of bad situations and help them have fun growing up, which can be really hard to do there,” said Savona.
Seeing all the struggles of the country has really made her appreciate all she has and is given.
“It is pretty much like a whole different world down there,” said Savona. “The rules of the country, how it is set-up, how the roads are made, how little they have compared to the amazing things we take advantage of here is really an eye-opener.”
Although, just coming out of the collegiate season and going directly to Guyana to play does pose some challenges.
“I'm still a little tired from the last game we had, and I know I'll have greater fatigue than most, if not all, the other girls,” said Savona. “It's just soccer and I would much rather play another three games than not play at all.”
Three players including Savona from last year's national team will be competing on the under 20 team.
Savona is joined by Gannon University standout Justine Rodrigues as the only two college athletes on the team.
Guyana blasted Antigua 7-0 this past Wednesday with one goal being scored by the Lady Demon standout.
The team will play Anguilla on Nov. 4, and the Dominican Republic on Nov. 6.
If Savona and company can place first or second in the tournament they will advance and play again in early December in another qualifying round.
To follow Savona and the rest of the Guyanese team, you can log on to Facebook and search Guyana Women's
National Football Team.
