PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad and Tobago – Former South Carolina State women's soccer player Janine Francois will take the field tonight as her country, Trinidad and Tobago, hopes to defeat Ecuador to earn the final spot in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
 
Francois was a four-year starting midfielder for the Lady Bulldogs from 2006-2009. She played for the Trinidad and Tobago National Team prior to attending SC State and rejoined the team after graduation.
 
After finishing fourth in the CONCACAF Women's Championship played last month in the United States, Trinidad missed out on automatic qualification for the Women's World Cup. Trinidad is aiming to become the first team from the Caribbean to qualify for the 24-team Women's World Cup.
 
When asked about the importance of the game against Ecuador, Francois said, "It's an extremely important game. If we win, we will get to play in the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup in Canada."
 
Being a part of the Women's National Team holds additional importance for Francois because success on the field impacts the creation and development of athletic programs for youth in her community. "Our success is also important because it represents change and will help to develop the youth athletic programs in Trinidad", Francois said.
 
What makes Francois able to fully commit to succeeding on the field is that she absolutely loves playing soccer. "Being able to represent Trinidad by being on the National Team means the world to me. I'm living my dream. I get to travel, play all over the world, and see different cultures. There's nothing like living your dream and doing what you love."
 
Current SC State head women's soccer coach Sandy Burris coached Francois in 2008 and 2009 and had this to say: "We are excited for Jan as she goes out to represent her country and SC State in the FIFA qualifying game. She is a great leader, an extremely hard worker and just an awesome player."