HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Sports can take athletes all across the world.
For Ewa Beach native Jourdyn Curran, soccer has landed her in Australia.
She made her international debut for the Philippines Women’s National Team in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup.
“It’s my first time being international and really far away from home,” Curran told Hawaii News Now. “Also, I’m the only new member of the team, so just adjusting to that, but I think that the team and the coaching staff has been really welcoming to me.”
After a four-year collegiate career at Seattle University, Mark Torcaso, the team’s head coach, asked Curran to join the squad.
“From then on, the process started. There’s a lot of paperwork to do, but we’re here now,” said Curran. “It’s just been good to be here finally.”
Curran grew up on the pitch, playing for the Leahi Soccer Club, where she won five consecutive state titles.
While playing for the Lady Sabers Soccer Team, she earned all-state honors twice while playing under her dad and head coach, James Curran.
“He played a big part in my career as a soccer player, just growing me mentally and the soccer aspect,” Curran said.
The 22-year-old is now playing for national pride, saying it’s a “privilege and an honor” to represent her Filipino heritage.
She also aims to build a stronger connection to her roots, especially with her grandparents.
“They came from there, they moved to the U.S., and they have a lot of family there and a lot of pride there,” Curran said. “I kind of just wanna be that representation for them and just make them proud, and I know they’re happy that I’m doing this, and I’m very happy as well.”
Curran hopes to teach young Hawaii athletes that if they’re given an opportunity, they should run with it.
“It’s definitely different from growing up in the mainland in terms of opportunities and resources and such,” Curran said. “This is just a big thing, really, to give exposure to the island and everyone that’s there that we produce athletes.”
Team Philippines and Curran are fighting for a spot in the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which is a dream for the midfielder to reach the world’s largest tournament.
“That is our biggest goal right now, to be able to qualify for the World Cup, which is one of the biggest tournaments for soccer in the world,” Curran said. “We’re mainly focused on the World Cup for sure.”
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