Perth Glory defender Carys Hawkins, who’s featured in some 39 Westfield W-League matches since Season One, will be heading to play in Sweden in the off-season. Girls FC found out a little more about Hawkins’ plans …
Perth Glory defender Carys Hawkins, who’s featured in some 39 Westfield W-League matches since Season One, will be heading to play in Sweden in the off-season. Girls FC found out a little more about Hawkins’ plans …
Huge congrats on heading to Sweden! Can you tell us how it came about?
It came about from an interest to play overseas. I spoke to a college coach who helped me get in touch with the right people.
West Australians Katie Gill and Lisa De Vanna have played/are playing in Sweden. Did they have any advice for you before signing?
No neither of the girls had any advice, but Katie wished me good luck.
What do fans need to know about Umea Sodra FF/the Swedish league?
I think I can make the claim now that Sweden holds the best league in the world. The league I will be involved with sits just below it (as a ‘first division’), which undoubtedly will hold very high calibre players and expect only the best from the players.
What are you expecting from the season/hoping to pick up and bring back?
All I want to do is improve, which in turn will result in moving forward, I can only hope I will achieve this over there.
Carys is an unusual name in Australia (but a fantastic one). Can you tell us its origin? Do you get some interesting pronunciations from the rest of us?
Carys, I think, comes from Cariad in Welsh. My parents were going to call me Annica but changed at the last minute! Annica-s a much nicer name.
How-s your Swedish?
I cannot speak a word of Swedish, but I-ll try to start to learn some on the plane.
You-ve studied law but are taking a bit of time to pursue your footballing career first. Was that a tough decision? How would you like to use your law degree down the track?
I only started studying law because I went to man an animal rights stand at a university open day and started talked to someone. When I asked them for directions, they told me they were doing law, and I thought, Yeah if I had a law degree I could help animals. That was pretty much it. So Iguess it could be cool to stick to that and try and make some positive changes to legislation protecting the welfare of animals in this country.
A number of Westfield W-League players have headed/are heading to Europe, including Lydia Williams and Michelle Heyman. Will you be playing against them and/or catching up with them off the pitch?
I don-t know the Canberra players, but might get to meet them there.
Sweden-s a fantastic place and is also located pretty centrally in Europe. You originally hail from Wales. Any travel planned for while you-re there? Olympics?
I will definitely try and see my grandma and family when I’m there! I-m not sure if I’ll see any Olympics. I-d really like to explore Germany and WWII sights. Oh and the Northern lights with my sister Rosh.
How can fans follow your progress and cheer you on while you-re away?
I-m not too sure how fans can follow me. I am happy to keep you guys updated! I-m not too big on social networking thing! [Girls FC will take her up on the offer and keep everyone posted.]
Congrats again on the signing, Carys, and we’re looking forward to hearing about your season!
