The words Carson Pickett will never say

Carson Pickett is not your ordinary footballer. The Brisbane Roar flyer was born with a left arm which stops at the elbow, meaning she has no left forearm or hand.

You could write an anthology on players’ achievements in the Westfield W-League: Michelle Heyman and Sam Kerr’s goals; Teresa Polias’ athleticism; Lydia Williams’ acrobatics. 

And if you watched Round 1 of the Westfield W-League, you may have noticed Brisbane Roar’s 88th-minute equaliser came from a player who doesn’t often steal the limelight despite having every reason to do so.

WATCH: Goal of the Round – Chloe Logarzo
PREVIEW: Western Sydney Wanderers v Brisbane Roar 
HIGHLIGHTS: Brisbane Roar v Perth Glory

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpd3urMnEnk/?hl=en&taken-by=brisbaneroarwomen

 

Pickett, who celebrated her 25th birthday in September, has defied expectations by becoming the first player in the Westfield W-League to play with only one full arm. 

But rather than allowing things to stop her, Pickett has taken her circumstances in her stride, forging a successful professional football career in the NWSL and Westfield W-League.

So successful, in fact, that she was part of Brisbane Roar’s squad that became the 2017/18 Premiers, and is back again for another tilt at the title.

So how does one in Pickett’s position get to where she is?

“When I was growing up, I was never allowed to say the word ‘can’t’ or ‘no’ and back down to a challenge … it was like a cuss word in my house,” said Pickett. 

“I think that drove me to never give up and never quit, just because I knew I would let myself down as well as my parents, and family is everything to me. Sometimes it’s hard, I have bad days but the people around me always tend to help me and make me a little bit happier and keep me going.

“[So] never give up and never think that you’re any less than anyone else, and just surround yourself by great people in your life.”

Of course, it’d be easy to view these words in the context of becoming a professional footballer — after all, unwavering dedication and steadfast focus are necessary to reaching the heights of the game. 

More important, though, who could argue Pickett’s advice cannot be applied to any situation in life?

Never taking ‘no’ for an answer, and surrounding yourself with positive people are perhaps the ingredients to a happy and fulfilling life. 

Carson PIckett

Pickett is well aware of the impact she is having on others, and is grateful to have the opportunity to do so.

“When I was younger, I looked up to so many people and I loved all these players,” she said.

“And when I realised all of a sudden that that could be me, and that there are people looking up to me like that, I just think it’s a privilege and it’s an honour. I think those are the two best words I can say.

“It feels good to be able to make a positive impact on people’s lives, and to be honest, I probably don’t know half of the stories and half of the people I’m impacting. 

“But I just hope anyone will reach out when they can, and know that I’m going to respond and I’m going to help them through anything.” 

https://www.instagram.com/p/Bpgi5HFn-Dt/?hl=en&taken-by=brisbaneroarwomen

 

There is a limit to Pickett’s ability, unfortunately.

By her own admission, she currently cannot take throw-ins.

But if we know anything about Pickett, her condition isn’t going to stop her from doing it forever.

“I don’t think it affects me too much, just besides throw-ins. But I think I’m going to throw in one of these days!”

As the Westfield W-League approaches Round 2, Pickett’s Roar will look to bounce back from a draw against Perth Glory, a game in which they thought they may have been able to get more. 

They looked like losing, though, only for Pickett to produce a timely late intervention.

And with the way Pickett approaches things, you can expect a few more goals from her in the Westfield W-League 2018/19 Season.