Football player Sohana Spencer, of Sri Lankan descent, commands attention as a dominating force on the field, whether at the high school or club level, with her exceptional speed and prowess.
During the recent season, she led her club team HTX GA 07 (formerly known as Dash GA 07) with an impressive record of 24 goals and 9 assists. As Captain, she guided her high school team to the quarterfinals, boasting an astounding 37 goals and 13 assists.
Her outstanding performance earned her recognition as the District 21-6A Newcomer of the Year as a freshman and subsequently as the District 21-6A Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore. Despite her current roles as a winger and attacking midfielder, she brings with her years of experience as a wing-back.
In an interview with The Sunday Morning Sports, Sohana provided insights into her remarkable journey.
Following are excerpts of the interview:
Tell us about yourself.
My nickname is So and I’m 16 years old. I’m from Houston, Texas and I’m currently finishing up my 11th Grade year of high school. I have a younger brother who drives me crazy on the regular but I love him to pieces, and two dogs named Bo and Nala. I absolutely love playing sports and outdoor activities.
This past October, I verbally committed to playing football for the University of Florida once I graduate high school in 2025, which I’m extremely excited about. While football has played a huge role in my life, my academics have been equally important to me because I feel like you should not have to sacrifice one for the other. I’d consider myself to be a loyal and fun-loving person.
What kind of relationship do you have with Sri lanka?
My maternal grandparents were born in Sri Lanka and immigrated to the US later in life. My mother was born here in the States and married my father, an American she met in college. Although my mother grew up here, she has been back to Sri Lanka many times. We plan to go back this summer as we still have a lot of family living in Sri Lanka.
How did you start playing football?
My parents signed me up for a recreational league where we lived when I was four years old and I’ve been into football since.
What made you choose football?
I love the intensity and the competitive environment that comes with it. Honestly, football teaches you a lot about life in general. It teaches you about the importance of teamwork, pushing through adversities, hard work, being consistent, etc. It has been part of some of my greatest memories and also some of my toughest lessons.
It’s just something that has been with me from the time I was four and stays with me through everything no matter what. While it requires a lot of sacrifice, it’s also allowed me to really experience so many different places, people, and opportunities throughout the years and that is something that I am super thankful for.
What is the difference you see between South Asian and US football?
I don’t feel knowledgeable enough about South Asian women’s football to really answer this question, unfortunately.
How would you describe US football?
US football is very competitive, to say the least. We spend almost every day training – between practice, games, technical sessions, and privates. Those athletes who want to play in college and beyond will play as part of a club in showcases across the states. These showcases will have numerous college coaches in attendance.
Some athletes will be chosen to participate in training camps for possible national team roster spots, while some will go pro either after college, during, or at this point, even during high school. It’s a very gruelling process but definitely worth it for those of us who love football.
What are some of your most unforgettable memories in football?
That’s a hard question. There are so many memories that hold special places in my heart, but my most recent unforgettable memory was getting an offer to play at a D1 Power 4 university as a junior in high school. There were so many emotions going through my head. My teammates and I have been going through this process for 12-13 years now and to be able to achieve this goal has been such a dream and blessing for me.
What are your ambitions and future plans?
I’m looking forward to playing football at the college, national, and hopefully, the professional level for a bit (if it’s in the cards for me). Like I said before, football is important to me, but academics are equally important, so I plan to continue my studies while doing all this. I’d love to be involved in medicine, specifically neurosurgery.
If you get the chance, would you consider playing for Sri Lanka?
Of course!
Who is your role model?
Neymar – I love his style of play and how beautiful he makes the game look.
Do you have anything to say to Sri lankans fans?
While I don’t feel important enough to have fans, I thank anyone willing to support me through this journey. I’m super proud to be connected to Sri Lanka and will always do my best to represent well.