Greer Middle College girls soccer is performing on a big stage this year.
Currently sitting at 11-3 overall and unbeaten in 3-A Region 3 play, the Lady Blazers are looking to make it four region titles in a row. They’re also looking to build on last year’s Upper State Semifinals appearance, with goals for a state run in mind.
Again, a big stage. With big expectations.
But for seniors Alyssa Singh and Rose Finnegan, big stages are nothing new.
“Alyssa and Rose, with the experiences they’ve had at such a high level, are both setting a standard for the girls around them,” said GMC head coach James Figueroa. “They’re utilizing the experience they’ve gained to help teach their teammates.”
The experiences? Both Singh and Finnegan represent their families’ countries at the national level.
Singh has played on the Trinidad & Tobago U17 national team. Finnegan has represented Finland at the youth national level, having been called up for team camp at the U18 level.
“It was honestly one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had,” said Finnegan. “The level of play was just so high compared to anything I’d ever seen. I hope to be called back soon.”
“Around two years ago, the Trinidad & Tobago national team invited me to come play at their U17 World Cup qualifiers,” said Singh. “I started two games and came in as a substitute for the other two. It was a really cool, great experience. They play an entirely different game over there, and I got to be more of a playmaker off the ball.”
Singh and Finnegan — who both have citizenship in their respective countries due to their parents being born there — gained multiple weeks of national team experience.
Alyssa Singh of GMC girls soccer represents Trinidad & Tobago at the U17 national level.
“I just feel grateful to have that opportunity, because I know a lot of people don’t get the chance to do something like that,” said Singh. “I feel very blessed."
Finnegan, who has committed to play soccer at Western Kentucky University, says he hopes to help the national team make the FIFA Women’s World Cup when she’s older.
GMC senior Rose Finnegan smiles with a Finnish teammate while representing Finland at its U18 National Team Camp.
“I’ve definitely envisioned and thought about that,” Finnegan said. “That would be so amazing.”
Singh (16) and Finnegan (8) are part of a four-player senior class this season for the Lady Blazers, and have combined for 24 goals. Senior captain Alexa Harrison (7 goals) and Aubrey Lindblad round out the upcoming graduating group.
They’ve got high expectations for what they can accomplish in their final season.
“Last year was our first year making it all the way to the third round of the playoffs,” said Harrison. “Proving to ourselves that we could make it that far was huge. But this year, we’re already coming in with that confidence, so we know that we can go even farther.”
“I think with it being our senior season, we’re really pumped to make it further than we ever have,” said Finnegan. “That’s something me, Alyssa, Alexa, and Aubrey have set as a goal.”
Figueroa believes this year’s team is the one that can make even more history.
“Last season, we put intentional effort into building belief that these girls can accomplish anything,” said Figueroa. “And with how far we made it, they saw that come to fruition.
“This year, led by these seniors, we aren’t having to teach that belief anymore. They have it already. We’re excited about what the rest of this season could hold.”
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