Tarciane ready to show determination and work with Houston Dash
(image via Houston Dash)
On NWSL transfer deadline day, the Houston Dash secured one of the top young prospects in women's football, Brazilian defender Tarciane from Corinthians. The transfer has been reported to be the third-highest fee in women’s football. We had a chance to sit down with Tarciane last week and discuss her experience and joining the Dash.
Bayou City Soccer (BCS): First, Welcome to Houston. How does it feel to arrive here?
Tarciane (T): I’m very happy and excited to be here. I’m ready to help the team wherever they need me. At this point in my career, I think it was time to take this next step to continue to develop and grow more as a player.
BCS: What was your reaction to the transfer and the reaction from your loved ones?
T: My family always supported me in all my decisions. I think this decision (transfer) was the hardest one I had to make. To leave Brazil, to be away from family and friends, not knowing the language. I had to really think about this but also on the other side, I’ll be joining a big club here with an even greater platform to for my career to grow. I did this for them, I made this objective for them. I have this new challenge ahead of me and I have the comfort of knowing they are by my side.
BCS: Why choose the NWSL and Houston as your next destination rather than other places?
T: I believe the club has the ambition to win and grow in the league. They have an excellent football structure that I’ve seen. It will go up from here. I want to be a part of the years of success in the league.
BCS: Have you talked to your Brazilian National Team teammates about the league?
T: Yeah, they mentioned the league is very strong. It has elite forwards of the sport, and it will help me grow.
BCS: How comforting was it for you that you're not the only Brazilian player in Houston?
T: It’s good for both of us, for me and for Andressa. We can help each other out and support each other here. She will have someone to talk in Portuguese but soon we both have to learn English; she has a head start on me. It will help us incorporate with the rest of the team. At the moment, I haven’t started English classes, but I will soon.
BCS: As you mentioned, you will face elite forwards in the NWSL and legends like Marta. What challenges or obstacles will you have to overcome this year?
T: Yes, I came for that reason. The challenges to face elite forwards will only help me grow and develop me as a player. I will take them on like I would any other player in Brazil with determination and work, nothing different.
BCS: How was your first day with your new teammates? I know for me what stuck out was your height compared to others on the team.
T: It went very well. I'm thankful for that. We have tall players here in the club too. I believe I’m the tallest center back on the team but we are all tall here.
BCS: What goals do you have for the season and for your career?
T: First, to continue to develop as a player. To learn more from others is a priority. All of this is for me to continue to be in the Brazil national team, trying to continue to perform, train, and develop a good brand of football to remain in the national team to be called up for the Summer Olympics. For the club, to be a mainstay, win, and achieve great things here.
We want to thank Tarciane for taking the time to speak with us. She is expected to make her NWSL and Dash debut this Friday against the North Carolina Courage. Get your tickets and come out to Shell Energy Stadium to see the new Brazilian defender in action.
