Singapore's Danelle Tan recently had an interview with CNBC 'Make It'.
Danelle Tan stumbled onto her soccer talent by accident.
Six years old, she joined the Singapore soccer club where her siblings played every Saturday.
"At home, I felt a bit lonely... "I asked my parents permission to join," stated Tan.
She scored 12 goals in her first class, a remarkable performance that was only the beginning of her sporting achievements.
Upon her debut for the London Bees last month, the 18-year-old made history as the first Singaporean woman to play in a European league.
Not only a guy sport
Because to her mother's initial apprehensions about the sport, Tan required considerable persuasion before stepping foot on a field.
"Maybe due to the fact that it is not a sport played by many girls," she remarked.
The notion that soccer is a "male sport" is not new, but Tan feels that perception is shifting.
I believe that women's football in general is on the rise, since the top three most-attended games in Europe are women's games. This is extremely encouraging to see.
Since then, Tan's parents have encouraged her to pursue a professional soccer career.
"I was aware that my growth as a player would stagnate in Singapore. "If I wanted to become a professional football player, I would have to relocate abroad," she continued.
Tan opted to go to London at the beginning of 2022 and has since been attending Mill Hill High School, where she is the school's first female soccer player.
"When I initially joined, there was no females' team... "My objective was always to join a guys' squad in order to challenge myself," Tan explained.
Thus, she must "work harder" than the rest of her team.
"At the same age, they are significantly more physical and faster, so I must think faster and move the ball more quickly to match their physicality," she noted.
It never occurred to Tan as a drawback. Instead, she viewed it as motivation to work harder.
Growing up, I was neither the most skilled nor the quickest individual. "I believe I worked really hard, and I kept my head down and worked," stated Tan.
It is about refusing to settle for less.
Tan is no stranger to breaking limits; she has already made history several times at a young age.
Local media reported that in May 2022, her team won Singapore's first women's SEA Games match since 1985.
Six months later, she also became the first Singaporean to be admitted into the Division 1 football program of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, one of the best football programs in the United States.
Yet for Tan, success is still a vague concept.
"I've never really considered it. I'm only 18, so I have no idea where life will lead me. She stated, "I usually conceive of life as a game of snakes and ladders."
"Many of us wish our travels were linear and that we were always advancing. But it's up and then down, and you can encounter a ladder straight up and a snake later on."
After ripping a ligament, her four-month absence from competition was one of her worst experiences.
"The entire rehabilitation procedure was really lengthy... Tan stated, "You don't even step foot on the field, and you never touch the ball."
"I had an excellent support system. Several of my friends, especially my family, were incredibly supportive, which helped me recover."
Yet one thing is certain: Tan does not wish to become "stagnant" in her athletic career.
"Can I become Singapore's all-time [best] goal scorer or my club's all-time leading scorer? I simply wish to continue aiming for and achieving more."
Combining a sports career with schoolwork is no easy task. Tan's normal day begins at 8:00 a.m., with courses lasting until 4:30 p.m.
"After school, I often work with the strength and conditioning coach for one and a half to two hours," she added.
Following a quick meal, it's time for training with the London Bees.
"I normally return to my dorm around 10 p.m., take a shower, wash my laundry, and dry my hair before attempting to find some time to read before bed."
Tan said that "discipline and sacrifice" are what keep her going day after day when asked what keeps her motivated.
"I do not believe there is anyone in the world who can be inspired every day. I wish I could simply lie in bed and watch Netflix. But I have no time for it," she said.
“It’s discipline. That is doing something even when you don't want to."
Being 11,000 kilometers away from my family and friends in Singapore, according to Tan, is the greatest sacrifice.
Yet, she emphasized that self-discipline and the willingness to make sacrifices for what counts are "extremely crucial abilities" she would need in the future.
"I'm really fortunate that athletics has taught me this from a young age. It is concentrating on what will lead to long-term profits rather than short-term losses."
She has her sights set on a larger stage.
She remarked, "I'd like to sign a professional contract; that's what I'm aiming towards, and it'll be a good reward for all my hard work."
And she desires even more food.
"Even if I do sign one, I'll continue to strive for more. That will be a simple checkpoint."
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