Canberra United rookie Sasha Grove marked her 16th birthday in typical style last week, baking a banana cake while surrounded by her soccer-mad family.
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After icing those celebrations with an unexpected W-League debut in Sunday's last-minute win over Melbourne City, Grove has now turned her focus to helping United maintain their perfect start to the season in Brisbane on Thursday.
The Girls Grammar pocket rocket is expected to start on the bench once more against the misfiring Roar, and Canberra coach Vicki Linton will strongly consider using her again after an assured maiden 25 minutes in the national league.
Grove didn't even know she was being considered for a substitute appearance until Linton told her to start warming up midway through the second half.
"To be frank, I didn't think I was getting on so I didn't really have many nerves," Grove said.
"Nerves, they're a funny thing but I've learned to manage them in my own way, it just becomes excitement. As soon as you step on you're like okay, I know my role, I know my responsibilities."
The tail end of 2020 marked a huge few months for Grove who earned a training contract after impressing in the Canberra United Academy.
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She turned 16 on December 30 as veteran Michelle Heyman inspired a United comeback in a 4-3 season-opening win against Adelaide, and just four days later made her debut.
"Before I was starting preseason I was with the Academy and it's a great environment there, but you just can't replicate this one," Grove said.
"The intensity from all the girls like Chelle [Heyman] and Dell [Kendall Fletcher], they really bring it every session, they're so eager to share knowledge with you. Unbeknownst to them they're like your idols. I'm really grateful to have girls like that constantly helping me out with the little things."
James Buckley
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
James is a Queanbeyan boy enjoying his second stint at the Canberra Times, more than eight years on from his first. In between he's traveled the world, and spent time covering sport in Sydney.
