Lady Jaguars international Annalisa Vincent has become the first indigenous Guyanese football player to secure an athletic scholarship, signing a four-year scholarship with Graceland University.
According to a press release, the scholarship was facilitated by the Guyana Football Federation (GFF) and its affiliate, the International Supporters Group (ISG).
Vincent, who hails from the Moruca sub-division of Region #1, becomes the second player, after goalkeeper Natalie Nedd, to secure a scholarship from GFF/ISG Programme.
She will read for an undergraduate degree in accounting at Graceland University in Iowa, United States, while also representing the football programme, the Yellowjackets, in the Heart of America Athletic Conference of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA).
The GT Panthers forward said, “I am grateful for the opportunity. It’s exciting for me as a lot of work has been put into this and it’s finally here. For me, it’s a new journey. I would like to extend my gratitude and thanks to the ISG, the GFF and everyone who played a part in making this possible for me.”
ISG President Rebecca Vaughan said that one of the primary objectives of the entity is to provide educational opportunities for female players.
“The hard work by the ISG team has been recognised and validated by securing a four-year scholarship opportunity for Annalisa to attend Graceland University in Iowa. Annalisa, an outstanding member of the Guyana Senior Women’s National Team, will be furthering her education in accounting while playing football for the college.”
She added, “The ISG has established relationships with colleges in the United States and is currently coordinating with deserving young women from Guyana, who are interested in furthering their education through sport. The ISG would like to engage members of the business community within the diaspora in partnerships, along with the GFF, to support these deserving young women.”
GFF President Wayne Forde said, “I would like to congratulate Annalisa for preparing for this moment. When opportunity meets a person who is prepared, the result is a success. I am so proud of Annalisa’s performances on the field of play and I have no doubt she will excel in her studies at Graceland University. The GFF, under my administration, has always emphasized the importance of education and we hope to see the numbers grow in this programme. This is a historic moment for the GFF, women’s football and our hinterland communities in which Annalisa will become the first female indigenous player to attend college in the US under a scholarship.”
GFF Director of Women’s Programmes Paul Beresford stated that Vincent illustrated a balanced commitment to improving both as a player and an academic.
“With this next important step in her life, Annalisa has proven that hard work and perseverance will be rewarded. She is a history maker and I am confident that she will represent her family, the indigenous community, and the Guyana Senior Women’s National Team well as she begins her college career. Her example will serve as an inspiration to all young women footballers across Guyana,” said Beresford.
GNWFA President Andrea Johnson said it was a special moment for Annalisa’s family and her community.
“This is truly an auspicious moment, not only for Annalisa but for her parents and community. With Annalisa being the first Amerindian female player to receive a sports scholarship in the US, I would say this is undoubtedly amazing. I know that she will do her best at Graceland University. On behalf of the executive of the Guyana National Women’s Football Association, I extend congratulations to Annalisa.”
Ozzie White, Head of the Graceland University Women’s Soccer Programme, said, “Graceland University Women’s Soccer Programme is delighted and excited to continue the relationship with the Guyana Football Federation and announce the signing of Annalisa Vincent to the team. Annalisa is the first female indigenous footballer to ever receive a four-year scholarship to a college in the United States.
She has natural ability and so much undiscovered potential that I can’t wait to start working with Annalisa. She will succeed in the classroom and on the pitch.”
