Erin Healy, a standout player for Adelaide United, shares with aleagues.com.au the moment she almost stepped away from football and how a remarkable inaugural season in the Ninja A-League has sparked hopes of an unexpected international opportunity.
It was less than two years ago that Erin Healy, fresh from graduating college, seriously contemplated leaving football behind.
After concluding her studies and college career at Gonzaga University, she had a job offer in accounting waiting for her in the United States, leading her to believe that a career in sport was merely a distant dream.
However, a short-lived experience in Portugal transformed everything for the American forward.
“It’s amusing to reflect on where I am today,” Healy remarked to aleagues.com.au.
“I initially thought my time in Europe could last a year or maybe two at most. Now, I find myself here, with no defined end in sight. I genuinely feel I could continue playing for as long as possible.
“My college self would be in disbelief, laughing at the idea of what I’m doing now. I’m incredibly thankful that I made the choice to pursue it and not simply put my boots away.”
Today, Healy is a burgeoning talent in the Ninja A-League, aspiring to represent not the United States, but the Republic of Ireland—an opportunity that has recently come into focus for the 23-year-old since acquiring Irish citizenship in September.
This talented forward, who prioritises enjoyment in the game above all, seems on track for a promising career in football, with her decision to postpone an accounting career being validated by an outstanding first season at Adelaide United.
WEEKEND TEAM NEWS: Matildas duo are back, while a Golden Boot contender faces a timeout
“After finishing college, I was uncertain about pursuing a professional career in football,” Healy confided. “I think I was ready to move on from soccer. But then I realised it was an opportunity to travel, so I thought it was worth giving it a shot for at least a year.
“At that time, I had an accounting position lined up, and I didn’t really have a solid plan.
“A year earlier, during an internship with that company, I had loved the corporate experience, which led me to believe that might be my path. I’m thankful I didn’t jump into that just yet—it’s still there waiting for me.
“Many people advised me: you can work your entire life. You don’t have to begin right after college; it’s okay to explore and play football for a couple of years. If you’re even slightly considering it, you should seize that chance.”
“I was open to going anywhere in Europe, without a specific location in mind. Then, a Portuguese club, Club de Albergaria, reached out to me, and I thought: why not go for the experience? I’ll get to travel. In the US, studying abroad was available, but during my college days, they didn’t allow athletes to take part.
“So I viewed it as my opportunity to experience living abroad without school and combine it with playing soccer. I wasn’t overly focused on football—it was more about broadening my horizons.”
“Once I got there, I realised just how much playing soccer meant to me and how much I craved being part of a more competitive team that would challenge me. I’m truly grateful for that experience. It clarified that soccer is more significant in my life than I initially realised.”
Leaving her home in San Diego to seek new adventures, Healy landed in Albergaria-a-Velha, Portugal, where she lived with four other international teammates playing for Club de Albergaria.
“Our living situation in Portugal was quite unique,” Healy recounted.
“I was sharing a house with five other internationals, which was fantastic—but we also lived with a 90-year-old woman who was part of the club. The vice president’s grandmother lent us her home, and she resided there with us.”
“It was a very traditional, small Portuguese house. We had a kitchen and bedrooms, and it was quite different from what I’ve experienced here; the living arrangements in Adelaide are undoubtedly better. While it was an exciting experience, I’m thrilled with my current living situation.”
“Here in Adelaide, I share with two other players, Tiana Karambasis and Lucia Leon. It has been a best-case scenario for living arrangements. You never know what to expect when the club puts you together, but I’ve been incredibly fortunate. We get along like best mates; it’s like living with close friends. Living away from home means we can relate on many levels, and we’re always there for each other. When family visits, they also become part of our support system—it’s been amazing.”
WEEKEND PREVIEW: Essential info for Round 18 of the Ninja A-League
The more Healy discusses her life in Adelaide, the clearer it becomes: creating a supportive environment off the pitch is vital for her to perform at her best during games.
From sunny San Diego to Portugal and now to South Australia, Healy has found herself in a city that mirrors much of what she cherishes back home: beautiful beaches, warm weather, and teammates who have become family.
After 15 matches in the Ninja A-League, Healy’s contributions for the Reds have been nothing short of electrifying. While five goals and two assists highlight her impact, her ability to carry the ball, intricate footwork, and exceptional dribbling skills have made her a unique talent in the league.
This season, only Melbourne City’s Lourdes Bosch has achieved more successful take-ons, total take-ons, and dribbles than Healy in the Ninja A-League.
Healy refers to her flair on the pitch as ‘magic,’ attributing her emphasis on skill and creativity to junior coach Gabe Arrendando, who inspired her at the young age of eight while playing for Crusaders Soccer Club in San Diego.
“Reflecting on my journey, I’ve continued in this sport because I found joy in it, playing alongside my friends,” Healy explained.
“This all began with our first coach, Gabe, who impressed upon us the importance of having fun while playing. He called it magic. For every skill we executed, such as step-overs or Maradona spins, we earned a prize.”
“We would paint magic wands, and he’d commemorate our achievements on them. As a child, I aimed to earn those magic wands. He always made it enjoyable, and that was a fundamental reason I kept going.”
Healy’s rise from a newcomer in the Ninja A-League to a key player contributing to Adelaide’s transformation from last season’s wooden spoon finish into Premiership contention has coincided with her newly discovered path to Irish citizenship.
Having been eligible due to her grandfather’s Irish roots, Healy has held dual US/Irish citizenship for eight months now. This newfound identity has opened the door to the possibility of representing Ireland, a prospect that is now a key goal alongside pursuing silverware with the Reds.
“Back in college, my coach often prompted players to acquire dual nationality for opportunities to represent different nations. When he asked me, I replied: ‘I think I might have that, but I’m not entirely sure!’ I was unaware of how deep it could reach in family history,” Healy added.
“My grandfather was born in Ireland and later moved to the US, allowing my mother to be an Irish citizen too, which granted me the same rights. We decided to start the process as I graduated.”
“I officially obtained my citizenship in September, and the thought of representing their national team is incredible. I’ve been discussing with my agent how realistic that goal could be and using this season as an opportunity to get on their radar.”
“I’m hopeful that this opportunity arises—it’s a goal for me in the coming months: to play for Ireland and see where it leads me. I’m thrilled to have my citizenship and the possibility of this chance.”
Healy and Adelaide United will return to the Ninja A-League this weekend, hosting Central Coast Mariners at Coopers Stadium on Saturday night.
Compiled by SportArena.com.au.
Fanpage: SportArena.com.au.
LiveScore – Live Sports Results & Odds.
