Keisha Hill, Staff Reporter

Shanise Steele, captain of the victorious McGrath High ISSA/Malta girls football team and leading goal-scorer for the season, poses with her trophy following the awards and presentation ceremony at the Jamaica Football Federation offices. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer

She is just as strong as her name suggests. Nineteen-year-old Shanise Steele, captain of the McGrath High Inter-Secondary Schools Association (ISSA)/Malta girls football team, is a star in the making.

Although her team placed third in the competition, Steele was the leading goal-scorer, netting 58 goals for the season.

Astounding performance

Her remarkable performance is astounding for someone who was participating in the competition for the first season.

Steele explained, in an interview with The Gleaner, following Friday's awards ceremony at the Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) offices, that it was a very difficult season.

"Some of the players on the team are very young. I am the eldest on the team so it was a bit difficult at times. Some of the players did not understand the game very well so I also had to help them," Steele said.

Impressive overall

A final-year student at McGrath, she has an impressive list of achievements, both academically and on the field.

Steele, who has been playing football for 10 years, was called to the national Under-20 women's team three years ago. During this time, as a 16-year-old, she also played for the national senior women's team and is currently preparing for the World Cup qualifiers in Mexico next month.

"It is a great feeling to play at this level. I play defence for the Under-20 and the senior team and midfield for my school," she said.

Steele also plays defence for the Waterhouse women's team.

"I am motivated to do well. There are scouts out there and there are many opportunities. I want to further my career in football, but not only in football but also in my education," she said.

Wants career in PE

Steele wants to launch a career in physical education and has high hopes of attending the G.C. Foster College of Physical Education to pursue her dreams. However, according to the coach of McGrath High, Audley Robinson, Steele may soon be snatched up by overseas scouts.

"Four junior colleges are scouting her. It's just for her to grab the opportunity. I try to motivate her and make sure she stays focused," Robinson said.

"She is an all-rounder and did a very good job this season. When a girl can score 58 goals in one season, in 12 games, she has done very well. I am pleased and satisfied," he said.