Shenel Gall is one of the first women in the Cayman Islands to export her footballing skills, which netted her the honour of playing for second division club FC Neunkirch in Switzerland.
On the strength of this accomplishment, the Cayman Islands Department of Sports Women’s Coordinator Merta Day selected Gall to be profiled for Honouring Women Month 2013.
“The idea is to recognise these women for their incredible achievements as members of a team or as individuals,” Day said. “Shenel is the first woman footballer to reach the level she has and we are happy to celebrate her accomplishment. I am sure her story will inspire other young women to stick to their dreams. Her story inspires us all.”
Gall’s road to Hallau, Switzerland began at age 7. Perhaps the motivation came from watching her father Winston “Lucky” Gall play in the local football league, or the gentle nudging of her mother, Gloria, who signed her up for the girls’ Pee Wee league.
Whatever the impetus, Gall, 21, has found something to put her on the path to being a top athlete.
Over the years, her trophy chest has been steadily filling up. She was Rookie of the Year 2004, Leading Goal Scorer 2006, MVP 2006, Player of the Year 2004-2010, Golden Boot award 2004-2009 and Player of the Year again 2008-09.
“But my most special moment so far was during my sophomore year at Darton College, when we won our regional tournament and went to nationals in Florida. We made it to the finals and should have won,” Gall said. “Unfortunately, we lost 1-0 and placed second in the nationals. That was a highlight of my career so far, because that was one of the strongest groups of people I’ve played with. The bond was amazing and I will never forget that.”
Of course, the day she was selected to play for FC Neunkirch was also another huge moment, because it realised her dream of being a full-time professional. It was a day that has also been etched in the sports annals of the Cayman Islands.
She said that having the right people around to support her made it easy to reach this far. They include her parents, grandmother and other family members, as well as coaches Bobby McLaren and Thiago Cunha.
“They all told me that nothing was out of my reach. Hearing that gave me the courage and the desire to even begin to dream,” Gall said.
“Coach McLaren and coach Cunha then helped to hone my raw talent and the support of family nurtured my dreams.”
She noted that the path has not been easy and even now and there are still sacrifices that must be made.
“My team is located in a small town. It is very hard being so far from home. I miss my family and friends very much.
“The weather is not the greatest. It’s usually very cold and snowy and it’s hard sometimes when I just want to have fun.
“But I stay focused, because I know what I want to accomplish. The main thing is you have to want it; no one else can want it for you.
“Once you have set your mind on something you want, that’s it. You have to do want it takes, and that means you have to sacrifice a lot.”
Gall is pleased that the Department of Sport recognised her for Honouring Women Month.
“I think HWM is a great way of showing women that they are still appreciated for what they do.
“I don’t think women are being recognised enough on a regular basis. And HWM is a good way to promote the achievements of women who are active in our country.”
She acknowledges that sport is important for the development of kids, because it allows them to be active and to express themselves.
“Sport doesn’t only allow kids to become talented athletes, but helps them to be successful students and opens opportunities for them.
“Sport is especially important for the development girls; it helps to reduce stress and promotes good physical and emotional health.”
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