When she finishes her HSC, Dawa will play college soccer in the US. She played her first game of soccer last year, but that didn’t stop her from trying out for the opportunity in early June.

Trials were intimidating.

“They all play rep together in Sydney, I was pretty much the only person coming from somewhere four to five hours away,” Dawa said.

The Year 10 student plays half an hour of reserve-grade and 90 minutes of first-grade soccer each week. The born striker has scored a goal in almost every game this season.

“I put in 110 per cent or a even bit more, I just push myself,” she said.

“Even if we’re losing 5-0 I just keep on going, because you never know, it could change.”

Dawa plans to study criminology, with the intention of entering the police force.

“If there’s a good opportunity in Australia I’ll stay,  but I’m working towards this opportunity in the US,” she said.

“I like challenging myself and doing new things.”