What is the city you live in, the school and department you studied in the USA?
I live in North Carolina, USA. I'm studying Premed and Psychology at Gardner-Webb University (the required department before medical school).
Did someone recommend the school you are currently attending, or did you find it yourself? Do you have a scholarship event?
I chose this school because my school gave me an academic and football scholarship. My school's coaches found me, watched my matches and made me an offer.
We learned that you play D1 in the women's football team of your current school. How long have you been playing? Have you been on the same team since the beginning? What is the name of the team and what do you call D1?
This is my 4th year at the same school. Our team name is the Gardner-Webb Running Bulldogs. D1 means Division-1, the division where the top league competitions are held in universities in America. Under this, there are also D2 and D3 universities.
Could you tell us a little about the system and that process in American university football teams?
There are D1 groups in America depending on your geography. The teams that come first in these groups participate in the national tournament and are selected as the first in America. D1 teams are generally larger schools. They also play at a higher level than D2 and D3. D1 college coaches select players from private clubs and high schools. After that, the players choose the school and usually study and play football there for 4 years. At the same time, in order to play football at university, you must not drop your course grades below a certain average.
What is the salary you receive from the team you currently play for? Do you have any work other than that?
I only receive academic and sports scholarships from the school. I coached little girls for a while. Also, I have a referee license. I am also thinking of being a referee this year when I get the opportunity from my classes.
How do you manage your life in terms of rent, food and other expenses?
In addition to the scholarship provided by my school, I receive help from my family. For example, the annual cost of my school is 41,500 USD, including the house I stay in.
How does your day go from morning to evening?
At 6:45 in the morning, we do weight training with the team for an hour. Then I have breakfast and I have classes at different times every day, and I go to them. We have a 2-hour training session with the team at 15:00. After that we have dinner. By the way, I study in all my free time.
Are there any offers for you from other football teams? Also, you are in the Turkish Women's National Football Team. How does it feel to be running for football on both sides?
Since I am prohibited from meeting with another university or team according to the rules, I will continue to play at my school until I finish my studies. I would be proud to represent our National Team whenever possible.
Are university teams and American Women's Football Leagues separate statuses in America? In both cases, are the statuses of female football players listed as amateur or professional?
Football players in American universities have amateur status, while women's football leagues have professional status.
Would you consider using your experience there as a coach in a women's football club in Türkiye?
I am thinking of playing professionally in Europe or Türkiye for a while before going to the Faculty of Medicine. I have no idea about coaching yet.
Can you compare Turkish Women's Football with American Women's Football in terms of technique, physics, discipline and fan base?
Turkish Women's Football is more technically oriented compared to America. Football in America is more based on strength and physique, and there is more disciplined training. The fan base of women's football in America is much larger than in Türkiye. University and league matches are broadcast live on Private Sports Channels.
