Seattle Sounders Women News Release - www.sounderswomen.com
Thursday, April 17, 2014
TUKWILA, Wash. – Former Sounders Women midfielder signed her first professional contact last week with the Houston Dash. The University of Washington graduate went on trial during the preseason with the Dash and earned a spot with the NWSL expansion team.
Following her signing, SoundersWomen.com caught up with Elston:
SoundersWomen.com: What does this mean to you, to sign your first professional contract?
Elston: I still get chills thinking about when I signed my contract. I may have even saved the pen…! But in all honesty, when I step back and think about where I'm at, I couldn't be happier. I didn’t know what to expect when I got here and while it’s always scary to go outside your comfort zone. It was the best decision I ever made and proved that taking risks pays off. Working my way onto the Houston Dash was a long road, and I’m the first one who will say that the road is only going to continue from here. I still have a lot to prove and I plan on earning my place every time I step on the field.
SW: How did playing with the Sounders Women aid you in your development? (Elston played for the Sounders Women from 2011-13)
Elston: The Sounders Women was a great experience for me because I was thrown into a new environment with different coaches and players, which forced my game to grow. Being in a new situation prepared me for a similar tryout process when I came to Houston.
SW: What role did the Sounders Women play in your career path to the pros?
Elston: It was a big jump from college to the pros. The Sounders Women was a crucial stepping stone between the two. I love being the young one on a team because players with experience have so much to offer and I just can't soak enough of it up. When I was on the Sounders, I had so many incredible role models who taught me more than I could've ever known. With the Dash, I find myself constantly watching what the veterans do in practice and then try to implement it into my game. From little things based on crafty touches to bigger things such as how to hold your composure before a big game. I've grown so much over the years and I have a lot of people to thank, especially the Sounders.
The Sounders Women take to the field on April 25 to play a special exhibition match against Elston’s former team, the University of Washington Huskies. The match kicks off at 7 p.m. at Starfire Stadium. Tickets are available on SoundersWomen.com.