[i]Women's Programme Editor David Rogers spoke to our new Stateside signing Havana McElvaine - who hails from Boulder, Colorado - about women’s football in the US and her new home at Dulwich Hamlet...
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[b]How did you first get into football?[/b]

My mom signed me up for a team when I was a kid called the Pink Flamingos that played in the park by our house and I really liked the uniform so I stayed on.

[b]You played as captain for the Washington Huskies. What are the main differences between Women's football in the USA and the UK? [/b]

The biggest difference is that everyone here is better tactically and technically. US football, especially at the college level, was really focused on fitness and athleticism.

[b]You had a two year sabbatical from football. And now you have ended up returning to football and playing for Dulwich Hamlet. How did that happen?[/b]

A friend of mine who supports the team brought me to a game (shoutout Mike). I didn't expect to find a team out here so quickly but as soon as I saw them play I knew I wanted to be involved somehow. After the game I asked Brit if I there was any room for me. Came to a training and the rest is history! I feel very lucky - lots of gratitude for this group that has welcomed me in.

[b]What’s been your favourite moment so far? [/b]

Coming back from being 2-1 down against Fulham to win 4-3.

[b]What’s your favourite football memory (as a player or otherwise?) [/b]

2011 WWC, Abby Wambach's goal in the 120th minute to tie Brazil in the Quarterfinal. #USA

[b]What's the best goal you have ever scored? And who was it against?[/b]

I've scored so few so this one’s easy. It was my first year of college soccer against the University of Utah and my dad happened to be in the crowd from out of town. Ended up winning 1-0.

[b]What do you like to do when you are not playing football?
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Eat mostly. Explore London. Spend time with all my wonderful new teammates!

[b]In 2017 you were selected as a Marshall Scholar, one of the highest honors available to college graduates in the United States (Marshall Scholarships finance young Americans of high ability to study for a degree in the UK). How did that feel?[/b]

It was the biggest honor of my life to be selected for this opportunity. So thankful to be able to be here and further my education while also connecting with this amazing city. Still feels pretty surreal to be on this adventure.

[b]Last year you spent eight months travelling. Where did you go and and which were your favourite countries? [/b]

I spent time in South America, Africa and Asia. Every place was so different but I'd say I had the most fun in Brazil and South Africa. India was the most challenging but probably where I grew the most (and ate the best food).

[b]Any insights into the team?[/b]

They’re a crazy lot. But everyone's gone out of there way from day one to help me feel like I'm a part of the squad. So fun to play and compete with this group.

[b]What is something no one knows about you?[/b]

In 2017 I had a wild love affair with a Cuban singer. She wrote a song about me and I still hear it playing in bars or pubs from time to time...