A virtual unknown, Tenealle Hay has taken the National Premier Leagues NSW Women’s competition by storm in 2023.
This incredible story, has seen the mother of three come from almost no where to the top tier of the state’s competition.
The 29-year-old joined the Rams this season after spending time with the Camden Tigers in the local Macarthur Football Association M-League competition.
Most would have expected a difficult transition into the NPL NSW Women’s competition, but this wasn’t to be the case with Hay who has been grateful for the opportunity.
“After spending nearly 10 years out of the game, I was unsure as to how quickly I would transition into the NPL and the level of football required to compete in such a competition,” said Hay.
“I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to play for an amazing club who provided me with the support I needed as a mother of three to find my feet again in the NPL and prove my worth on the field.
“Having a supportive club, coaching staff and teammates has allowed me to have the smoothest possible transition into the NPL.”
Not only was Hay welcomed at Lynwood Park as though she has always been there, she has been handed the captain’s armband as well, displaying her character and leadership qualities.
Thus, deciding to challenge herself when most would have given up on their dream in playing top flight football.
“Although I don’t regret the decisions I made years ago when I decided to walk away from football, I’ve spent the last 10 years wondering if I could of made it further if I hadn’t of walked away,” the Rams centre back said.
“I didn’t want to wake up in another 10 years time having regret that I didn’t give it another crack.
“Alongside this, as a mother of three, I teach my kids that if you want something to go after it so I felt it was important to practice what you preach and be a role model for my kids.”
Hay has set herself some personal goals that she expects to achieve both in the short and long term.
“Having a positive impact in my team week in week in week out, developing as a player and finding myself in a Liberty A-League squad,” said the Rams captain.
Obviously not a part of last season’s Championship winning team, Hay believes her team can do it again and can lift the trophy for the second consecutive year.
“I have no doubt that we are capable of taking out the championship again,” Hay said.
“Not only do we have a team made of quality players we have an amazing bond with one another and a supportive coaching staff that strives to get the most out of us each and every week.”
By – Nikola Pozder