Rollagranola Meets… New Zealand Football Star Erin Nayler!
Interrupting her intense training sessions at Bordeaux, we catch a minute with New Zealand Goal Keeper and well known figure across women’s football, Erin Naylor.
Having started playing football at the age of 10 and continued until this very day, Erin coupled her love of football with studying Molecular Biology at Massey University!
With her current International Caps sat at 69 and showing no sign of letting up, we’re absolutely stoked to have Erin has a loyal member of our nutty family!
Here we ask Erin all about her achievements (and what’s on her playlist…!) Enjoy…
Your greatest achievement?
Making football my career. A possibility I didn't even consider when I was younger as it wasn't really heard of. I look back today at all the barriers that stood in my way and I am proud of how I have overcome them.
What’s on your Spotify playlist?
Right now I have Hozier's album on repeat. I love his music. It's so calming.
What did you do before football?
Football has always been a part of my life. At school I wasn't sure what I wanted to do but I was always interested in the sciences and ended up getting a Bachelors in Biology alongside my sporting commitments. I'm hoping to go back to school to complete a degree in Nutrition as this has become a passion of mine over the last few years.
Greatest sporting achievement?
Playing at 2x World Cups and the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio.
Greatest life achievement?
Again, I think it is so cool to be able to call myself an Olympian. I am also proud that I was able to complete University as juggling football and exams wasn't easy and it took me twice as long to complete the degree.
If you had to chose an actress to play you in a film of your life, who would it be?
I've been told I look a bit like Toni Collette haha, so probably her. She's also a great actress with a little bit of a crazy side it seems.
Key to being a successful athlete/sportswoman?
Mindset. Being able to work through challenges that arise whilst staying confident in yourself and your ability. And the mentality to want to work harder than anybody else to gain that competitive edge.
Women’s football feels like it’s booming at the moment with an ever increasing interest, do you feel that?
Absolutely, the recent international between the England Lionesses and Germany which sold out Wembly was a great example of how womens football is really starting to attract more attention. This has also been happening more frequently since the World Cup with even womens league games in england attracting thousands of spectators.
I think more people are starting to realize the ability of these female footballers at professional level and are starting to realise how exciting the game can be.
New Zealand and Australia have also just put in a joint bid to host the 2023 world cup which I think would boost the game to new heights again.
Sporting hero?
I think David De Gea's progress at Manchester United has been incredible to see. He started off as a very unsettled goalkeeper and is now ranked one of the best in the world.
If you weren’t a footballer, what would you be?
I would love to work in nutrition to help people live healthier, more energetic lifestyles and just help them to feel better about themselves.
What’s your favourite word?
Trust
What does 2020 promise you?
Hopefully a successful Olympic Games with New Zealand! I am also getting married in Bali straight after the Olympic Games so I have a full on year! I will also look to continue my professional career as my current contract with Bordeaux is ending so who knows where I will end up.