When University of St. Thomas (UST) Women’s Soccer student-athlete Asanah Gordon received the call to represent the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Women’s National Team, it felt almost unreal.
“It was a very surreal feeling,” Gordon said. “I never imagined I would be awarded the opportunity to represent my heritage in this way doing something I love.”
Gordon, a UST nursing major, saw the application opportunity via social media for players of VI descent. The federation then flew her to Miami, Fla., for camp.
“The camp consisted of multiple practices, games, and team bonding activities,” she said. “It lasted about four to five days and was essentially my ‘try out.’ And from there I have been invited back to more camps, selections, and ultimately a USVI women's national team player.”
For Gordon, who is from Baytown, Texas, choosing UST for the opportunity to have a wonderful experience as a women’s soccer student-athlete was not her only focus—it was UST’s academics and location near the Texas Medical Center.
“My decision to pursue collegiate soccer here at UST had a lot to do with my major and not wanting to be too far from home,” she said. “I realized toward the end of my senior year that I was a homebody and couldn’t realistically see myself living any farther than I am right now. Along with this, I am a nursing major and thought what better place to pursue this degree than in the largest medical center in the world.”
Pursing nursing is her ultimate desire as she finds joy in serving others while perpetuating care for the human person—right at the beginning of life.
“Along with this, one of my main driving factors for becoming a nurse is the incredibly high maternal mortality rate for black mothers and women of color in the United States,” she said. “As a nurse, it would become my duty to provide the upmost care to all mothers regardless of ethnicity or race and ensure a happy and safe experience for both the mother and child.”
On the field, Gordon has already earned conference recognition. During her freshman season, she was awarded SCAC Defensive Player of the Week, SCAC All-Freshman Team, as well as SCAC Honorable Mention. Even amid her success, the comradery of teammates is her favorite part of UST Women’s Soccer.
“My favorite part about being at UST must be a tie between all the friends I have made and trips out of town for soccer during season,” she said. “My favorite memory is when our team won a tough battle against Howard Payne University during preseason and the Wingstop we got after.”
Gordon is ready to continue playing the game she loves, and now, at the highest level for the Virgin Islands team, which has already strengthened her connection to her heritage.
“Playing for the Virgin Islands national team is special for me because it has given me the opportunity to learn more about my heritage,” Gordon said. “I get the chance to travel to St. Croix more and visit my grandparents more often. Along with this, my teammates are just amazing people. Every single one has made my experience as a VI national team player a memory I’ll keep for a lifetime. From lawyers, to pilots, to professional players, the wisdom and insight I receive from my girls are everything.”
With upcoming USVI games on March 5, April 10 and April 14, and still needing to stay on top of her coursework, friends and family are what keep Gordon going.
“I would just like to thank my parents for their endless support in me and for molding me into the woman I am today,” she said. “Thank you, mom and dad, for lifting me up when I wanted to quit, showing me strength through resilience, and for nurturing me with your endless love and support.”
Now balancing collegiate soccer, nursing studies and international competition, Gordon continues to embrace the her exciting future.