Hello Ms. Bailey. Who was the first person who encouraged you to play football?
When I was young, it was definitely my father who inspired me to play. He was my coach when I started playing when I was about 5 years old.
Were you a goalkeeper from the beginning?
Yes, I always played as a goalkeeper.
What other support did your family give you to play football?
My family has always supported me in everything I showed interest in. They always made sure I was signed up for youth leagues and took their time to drive my brother and I to our various practices and games. They also always made sure I had all the equipment I needed to perform at my best. They always held various trainings and games. I signed up for youth leagues with all my equipment, where my parents always supported me and they devoted a lot of their time for my brother and me. They also made sure that I should always do my best.
What are the conditions for playing football in America's best teams and what opportunities are offered to female football players there?
Women's soccer in America is expanding rapidly. They recently added multiple new teams to the 1st league, the NWSL. Additionally, an additional 1st division was approved for the inaugural USL Super League. This has greatly increased opportunities for women who want to continue playing after college or even start their professional careers earlier. There have been a lot of young players paving the way for young girls in America to be included in the professional ranks, which wasn't the case just 4 or 5 years ago. This new growth is very exciting and encouraging.
You then played in Fjardabygg0 / Hottur / Leiknir in Iceland. What were the main differences between American and Icelandic women's soccer?
After growing up playing in America and moving to Iceland, the first difference I noticed was the physicality. Even though they were the nicest people, their football in Iceland was a little more aggressive than my previous teams and very fast. Still, there were many similarities when it came directly to gameplay. From growing up playing in America, then moving to Iceland, I saw the first difference in physicality.
What problems did you encounter when you went to Iceland?
When I went to Iceland in 2021, it was my first time abroad, so I had to make an adjustment to be so far from home. But the team was so welcoming and made the transition easy. There was also a language barrier that I had not experienced before; The coach and almost all the girls could speak English though, so it was easy to get a quick translation. I also suffered a major injury in my first game, so trying to get healthy as quickly as possible was the biggest challenge I had to overcome. I was grateful to be healthy in the final games of the season to help my team bring home the championship and secure a promotional promotion.
Can you tell us about your early football life? What inspired you to play football and which goalkeeper coaches have you worked with so far?
I have had a few coaches over the years who have influenced my goalkeeping. Of course, my first coach was my father, who always helped me analyze and fight to improve my game. I also trained with Chris Van Duin, who guided me through most of my youth and helped me improve my athleticism. And during my college years, Nat Gonzalez at UC Riverside really improved my game in terms of technique and decision-making. I place great value on how I view the position of goalkeeping as it has truly broadened my skill set and fueled me with constant drive in the quest to perfect the art of goalkeeping – which of course is something that cannot be achieved, but that is what makes the game so exciting. After college, I had the opportunity to work with Andy Gutierrez from La Academia Goaltending. He helped me get back into the game after recovering from my major disabling injury, so I'm grateful for his guidance. He also did a great job of helping me expand my knowledge of the position, especially as the game was constantly evolving we needed to constantly adjust our style of play, which he helped me do as a goalkeeper.And right now, while I'm in Turkey, I'm working with Gökhan Güldağ, who I've really enjoyed learning from the last 8 months. He constantly tests my limits and helps me develop the explosiveness needed at this level. It was amazing to work with so many coaches who took the time to invest in my game.
What qualities do you think a good goalkeeper playing at international football standards should have?
I believe the position of goalkeeper is very unique and requires a high level of mental strength. The position is all about making quick decisions under pressure, so being able to position yourself appropriately when trying to predict the next play is crucial. Additionally, playing internationally requires adaptability; Therefore, it is also important to be familiar and comfortable with different play styles.
Can you tell us a few features that distinguish you from others in goalkeeping?
I can say that what sets me apart from others is my work ethic. I have a strong desire to perfect the art of goalkeeping, which is again unattainable, yet it drives me every day.
Can you tell us about the transfer process to Fenerbahçe, a world team?
The transfer process went very smoothly. I wanted to play in a new league, challenge and grow my game and it was perfect timing as Fenerbahçe needed a goalkeeper. I was honored that this club was interested in me representing them and it was a very exciting time.
Among the teams you have played with so far, which team offered you the best opportunities?
I've been honored to be a part of every team I've played for. Each of them gave me exactly what I needed at different points in my career and shaped me into the player I am today, for which I am forever grateful.
Are there any women's football teams and women goalkeepers whose playing style you like in Türkiye?
I have a lot of respect for all the other teams and players. Everyone in this league shows up to compete every game, which always makes for a respectable and exciting match. I always like to analyze our opposing goalkeepers and I definitely saw a lot of talent this season. I would also like to get to know our own goalkeeping unit at Women's Fenerbahçe, we have a great group and we always push each other to be better. It has been great working with and learning from my colleagues this season.
What would you like to say about Istanbul?
Istanbul is a beautiful place with rich history. The culture here is unlike anything I've experienced before and I'm grateful to be a part of it. Istanbul has been the greatest home I've ever lived in.
