I think the hardest part is the nine-hour time difference. When I first moved to Carolina, it was a six-hour difference, and in the beginning, it was challenging. Now, the nine-hour difference is even harder.
How have you found adjusting to life in North America?
I think the hardest part is the nine-hour time difference. When I first moved to Carolina, it was a six-hour difference, and in the beginning, it was challenging. However, eventually, you get used to it. Now, the nine-hour difference is even harder, especially since college was a much more relaxed experience and an easier place to build a community.
Who has been the biggest mentor in your career so far?
It would be hard to pick just one person. There have been many influential people in my life, but I have to thank my college coaches who were a huge help when I came from France to the USA for college. At first, I struggled with enjoying the game and wasn't sure if I wanted to continue playing. Outside of the game, I also have to thank my older sister, who is someone I always look up to.
Describe what it's like to play at BC Place?
We've had a few chances to train at BC Place before we played there, so it was easy to adapt. As Whitecaps players, we know the field well, including how the ball bounces. Playing in front of our supporters, who always cheer for us, is special, and I always strive to give my best and represent the city!
Coming to Vancouver, this was your first professional experience. How have you found the adjustment to the professional game?
Honestly, I try not to become overwhelmed by soccer alone because if I'm not feeling good mentally and off the field, it affects my performance on the field. So, I make sure to stay in contact with the people I'm close to and accept that it's okay to have ups and downs. I came here to play as much as possible and want to help the team as much as I can.
What has been your favourite moment so far with the club?
I would say the first time I played and made my debut in the Concacaf Champions League was special because of where I came from and everything I have faced in my life. I wasn't sure if I would ever have the chance to actually play a professional game, so that was huge for me. I never thought I would be here one day, so I feel like I'm already winning in life.
You've been spending a lot of time going between the first team and WFC2, how has the experience been to get regular minutes with the second team, and then some reps with the first team?
Honestly, I just love playing the game. Although a part of you just wants to be with the first team even if it's on the bench. I also understand that if you don't get the minutes, it would be hard for me to continue to develop. So, I believe it's important to play and get minutes and at the end of the day I came to Vancouver to play soccer so it doesn't matter which team it's with therefore any chance I have to play is the same in my head and I will give it everything.
What is one thing outside of football you're interested in?
I really like fashion. I like clothes a lot. I feel everyone has their own way to wear things and it's a great way to express yourself.
What's one thing you haven't done yet in the city but you want to do soon?
Honestly we've been so busy, with training and the games this year that I haven't even made it to the beach yet, so I will say go to the beach. I hear it's beautiful.
During your time in Vancouver, what have you loved the most about the city?
That the city is very open and people don't care what you do and let you get on with your business. It's a very calm and relaxed city and I'm someone who likes to relax a lot.
Who's one celebrity you'd most like to meet?
To be honest with you, there's not one celebrity that I like that much, that I would love to meet them. I try not to focus on celebrities too much but if I had to choose to meet one person it would have been Kobe Bryant probably.
Do you have a favourite movie?
I don't know if I could pick just one movie as my favourite, I do have a lot of favourite actors though. I like Denzel Washington a lot and also Tom Cruise. I feel like these two are always doing good movies so I always want to watch them.
