“She'll certainly be our first player that's ever played in a World Cup,” Deasley said. “So we're excited to watch her play there and just excited for her to get this opportunity. It's a trip of a lifetime and a dream come true for her.”
Deasley’s home country of Ireland will also benefit from the recent extension, as they will also send a national team to the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time.
Adding to the South’s athletic legacy
For Deasley, both Jaen and Mathurin have an opportunity to tell the world something she already knows —that Mississippi and the South as a whole cultivate great athletes.
“We're attracting players from obviously all over the state, but also all over the country and from numerous countries all around the world.” she said. One of the big things that my international girls will say, they truly feel like Mississippi is like a home away from home for them.”
Coach Armstrong agrees with Deasley. he came to MSU after a stint at Auburn, and he says the South as a whole can be credited with some of the best athletes in the world.
“Most of the South, we have such a rich tradition of having great facilities, great programs, great training opportunities,” he said. “Hopefully there's a lot of young females that are watching as well that are inspired to grow the game in this country.”
Both Jaen and Mathurin transferred from other colleges in the South, meaning much of the region will see representation when watching the World Cup. Also on team Panama is Riley Tanner, a University of Alabama alum that ESPN has dubbed “one to watch.”
Tanner says she's nervous, but that nervousness can be a good thing before stepping onto the field. She also says she's leaning on her faith to push through any fear.
