Alanna Kennedy had wanted to be a Westfield Matilda for as long as she could remember. Getting the opportunity to play at the 2015 World Cup simply made her more determined to do it all again.
In a series of exclusive interviews for www.matildas.com.au, we will be catching up with Ante Milicic's 23-player squad in the build-up to the World Cup. Today we hear from Alanna Kennedy as she reflects on her story in green and gold so far.
WATCH: My Westfield Matildas Story, with Sam Kerr
WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN: 30, 29, 28, 27, 26, 25, 24, 23, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14 days to go
WATCH: The time is now, says record goalscorer Lisa De Vanna
“From a young age I always knew I wanted to be a Matilda and as I got older and reached different levels of my career I realised that it was a reality and the potential was there,” Kennedy said.
“A World Cup was the first major tournament I played in and it was definitely a goal of mine. I’m really excited to get the opportunity to represent my country at another one.”
The 24-year old said hearing the stories from players who had gone to previous World Cups was a major driving factor in making her dream a reality.
“I was a little bit nervous but extremely excited [at Canada 2015] and the atmosphere around us was something that I hadn’t experienced before,” she said.
“I remember hearing [all the stories] from the girls who had gone to the 2011 World Cup and always wanting to be a part of it, so when I found out I was going to the World Cup in 2015 I was extremely excited, very proud and just looking forward to representing my country on the biggest stage.”
HAYLEY RASO: Watch my Westfield Matildas Story
GET KITTED OUT: All you need to know about the Westfield Matildas new Nike shirts
COMING NEXT: Australia re-affirms bid to host FIFA Women's World Cup 2023
Click below to #GetOnside for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023™ in Australia
