CI goalie nominated for player of the year award

(CNS): Cayman’s Women’s National Senior Goalkeeper, Courtisha Ebanks has been nominated for player of the year in the United States where she attends South Georgia College and plays football. Following a tremendous season for Ebanks’ team ending in 3rd place the College lostonly 4 games. Ebanks said it was important for athletes to use sports to their advantage and to go overseas and become student-athletes so study and play. “Since I came to America, I found that my life has opened to so many opportunities,” she said. “Right now I have six schools wanting me, willing to give me a free education, if not, willing to pay off a huge amount of my tuition.”

Ebanks said she went to South Georgia College on an athletic scholarship for soccer, pursuing a degree in Health and Physical Education.

“My team played their hearts out, pulling through the season with thirteen players being the most and still breaking history for my school, ranking 3rd in the region. The level of play is huge here. Every game was intense. Having to face teams like Darton College, 2 years in a row Regional Champions, and who only lost 3 games this season,” she said. “One of them being against us and twice against the undefeated team in the region – Georgia Perimeter College.”

Advising those young Caymanian athletes in the national squad coming behind her to follow their dreams Ebanks told young people to go to college overseas and play football, to exceed and take advantage of every opportunity .  “Take your talent elsewhere and bring back experience to our national team. Make something of yourself, make our country proud and be someone — that is my plan,’ she said.

Lauding Cayman’s football programme Ebanks said she was glad to be a part of the Cayman National Team. “Without them I probably wouldn’t be where I am right now,” she added as she thanked her coaches and those who have supported her.