Dartford took on Hashtag United last month. Chris Palmer spoke to Stephanie Caseriu, who featured in the matchday programme for that fixture. For those who missed it, here is the article:
Stephanie Caseriu is new to the Dartford FC Women’s team this season, and the young midfielder has made just four appearances so far this term.
Despite not featuring in the recent 4-2 victory over Dorking Wanderers at the weekend, Stephanie has made three starting appearances this season.
With Connor Dymond and Martin McCarthy’s outfit sitting a healthy third in the London & South-East Regional Women’s Football League table with forty points from their fifteen games played to date (that’s an incredible record of thirteen wins and a draw), they sit just six points behind leaders Brentford and have four games in hand. Their destiny is most certainly in their own hands, and Stephanie is also ready to help with the challenge for success.
“I signed for Dartford because, this was exactly what I was looking for in a team. Intensity in training, high standards always, an environment where everyone is treated like family, and a real team with no egos, jealousy, or hate towards one another. It’s a place where I can truly express my football ability and grow into the player I know I can be, as well as the player my teammates and coaches know I can be.
“My goal is to consistently display my abilities with confidence, promoting the club into the next league, and to become a key player for the squad.”
What does Stephanie believe that she brings to an already extremely talented group of players?
“I think my endless pursuit of development and growth. I grew up an overachiever and, for me, it’s always about fulfilling the potential that I know I have in what I set my mind to… ‘kaizen’ is always looking to be that 1% better you than the day before.
“My strengths are definitely my range of passing with both left and right feet, my vision and ability to see and execute them, and my leadership abilities. However, my dribbling in one-on-one scenarios is definitely a weakness at the moment.”
She continues, “My favourite position is as a number eight. I love being the coordinator of the game, connecting the units together. Ultimately though, I just love playing football because, it’s an escape from my busy life… for such an adrenaline rushing sport, it brings me a sense of peace, especially when I’m in the zone.”
On the flip side of course, are the challenges that come with the sport. And Stephanie isn’t oblivious to them…
“The biggest challenge I’ve faced in football is losing the passion for the sport. Coming back from a very challenging season and environment abroad, mentally is unforgiving… For a player that has dreamt her whole life to make it to the top level, it was extremely heartbreaking and difficult. I’m so grateful for this team (Dartford) for bringing my spark back.
“I’ve also realised that the most important thing as a young footballer is, the importance of education. Having decided to play abroad professionally for a year was great for my football career, in terms of experience. However, I missed out on a key experience, which is the young adult years in an educational environment. Returning to education is even more difficult in terms of finding the motivation to continue, finding the interest in your subject, but also to fit in with the people your age. I don’t regret anything, however, I would have finished my degree and could have focused fully on football, instead of now trying to balance both to the levels I wish I could.”
Trying to balance her studies alongside her commitment to the game and Dartford FC Women on top of everything else, be that work, family, and friends is certainly a challenge to say the least. But, Stephanie isn’t alone in these challenges and remains grateful for the sport.
“The hardest thing is probably the fact that you build up exhaustion. But, football always seems to wake me up and put a smile on my face. And the passion that we have for the game helps us to stay motivated. This team is unreal and everyone wants to win more than anything… we’re definitely aiming for promotion!”
Does Stephanie manage to find the time to do any additional fitness work outside of training and matches?
“Yes, I try to train as many days of the week as possible. This includes one-on-one sessions and practicing in more team environments too. I’m a great believer in that 1% improvement every day.
“I always look forward to matchdays too. I work so hard in training to fight for my spot… there’s so many talented players in the group, and everyone wants the catharsis of starting the match. I normally enjoy time with family/friends to take away from the pressure I put on myself to perform at the best of my abilities, and it works!”
And what about the future? What does she want to achieve?
“I want to play for a team in the top five football leagues, inspiring younger players all over the world to follow their passions, and to have my name on the back of football shirts.”
As she’s mentioned inspiring the younger generation, does Stephanie have any advice for those looking to get into the sport?
“Never stop fighting for your dream. You’ve worked too hard to give up.”
That final statement sums up this young midfielder perfectly. Let’s hope that her dreams come true, and that they’re fulfilled with the Darts Destroyers.
SECTION TWO
Do you have any pre-game rituals or superstitions?
A pre-game ritual is having a nice soak in my hot bubble bath.
Favourite footballer?
Cristiano Ronaldo.
Favourite football team?
Tottenham!
Favourite football moment?
Scoring a bicycle kick against West Ham in the 98th minute for Spurs.
Biggest role model?
My role model is younger me. I get inspired knowing how far I’ve come and how close I am to our goals.
Team to watch out for in the league this season?
Dartford!
Who are your biggest supporters?
Family and friends.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I’m also a driven entrepreneur.
What sport would you do if you didn’t play football?
I would play tennis. I got up to a 6.2 ranking for the LTA.
Who will win the WSL this season?
Chelsea will win the WSL.
Chris Palmer