Over this past weekend, Britt Eckerstrom helped Newcastle Jets FC make the W-League playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade. We caught up with the Thorns goalkeeper about her time on loan in Australia, ending the team's post-season drought and more.
What has it been like living in Australia this NWSL offseason? Is there anything that has really stood out, any experiences off the field?
Living in Australia has been awesome! Newcastle is a laid back surf town, where everyone walks around barefoot. I’ve gone surfing, ATVing in the dunes, learned heaps of cool Aussie lingo, and I’ve met some incredible people!
This is your first season playing in the W-League, what have you learned from your time with Newcastle and how has that helped you grow as a player?
This is an exciting time in the W-League with the Matildas success this past year. Support for women’s soccer is growing in this country. It has been fun getting to know and play with new teammates and helping lead a young group. I am happy to have more game experience to bring into this upcoming NWSL season.
What have been some of the high points from your season with Newcastle?
This season has been special. We just earned a playoff spot after our win this past weekend. This is the first time our club has made it to the postseason in nine seasons and we’re looking to take home the championship.
There are quite a few of your Thorns teammates playing in Australia this offseason. What has it been like to play against them?
I love getting to play against my Thorns teammates! It’s fun to save their shots, like when Son [Emily Sonnett] almost toe poked the ball out of my hands while crashing the box after a free kick, but I held it and we laughed about it after. We’re all really competitive, so we never want to lose to each other, but It’s also good afterwards getting to catch up. I miss my Thorns and I’m excited to see them soon.
