Louise McFredrick Fermanagh Herald March Sports Personality
After ‘almost the perfect season’ UUJ women’s football team captain and All Ireland league champion Louise McFrederick is the Fermanagh Herald Sports Personality of the Month for March.
Louise a second year Sport and Exercise Science student was ‘shocked, but delighted’ to receive the award and looked back on a great season on the field which culminated in captaining the victorious Jordanstown women’s team to the All Ireland Varsities league title.
Defeating Cork IT 9-0 in the final, Louise a centre back, even popped up from the back with a goal to add the gloss on an emphatic victory. On the back of this Louise also received a trial with the Irish University Squad for the World Student Games.
“The season really couldn’t have went better for myself and for the UUJ team. I unfortunately was quite ill before Christmas and didn’t expect to be back in action so soon after. Thankfully it was a quick recovery and I managed to get back playing in time for the important matches. With the club only forming this year, it was came as a huge surprise to many which made it an even greater achievement.”
Louise paid special tribute to her team mates, who won the league title for the very first time.
“I couldn’t have been more proud of all the girls. We put so much effort in all year, on and off the pitch to enable us to compete, so winning just meant everything paid off. Not many people can say they are an All Ireland Champion either, I think it has a nice ring to it. It feels fantastic, it comes as a great surprise to me, but it is nice to know I am getting recognition for my achievements.”
Far from dwelling on her success Louise has had little time for a breather, with university work as well as the new season with her club Linfield ladies to focus on. She is also waiting to hear back from the Irish University trials.
“Hopefully I should find out very soon, if selected I will travel to Russia in July. However, I have been struggling with a knee injury for weeks now, so therefore I could be in doubt.”
As for next season Louise hopes to build on her success and push on for senior honours.
“My aim for the next season is to finish the season with Linfield Ladies, a top three finish would be nice. I hope to begin training for the Northern Ireland Senior Squad and try to put myself in contention for a spot for the World Cup Qualifying campaign. And of course I hope to be back playing for the UUJ team and retain our League title.”
