As soccer fans in the United States were focusing on the play of Team USA in the recent "She Believes" Cup, two representatives of Georgetown soccer were also busy in the international soccer arena. Current Hoya goalkeeper Anna Leat was competing at the Algarve Cup with New Zealand as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics this summer and former Hoya Kyra Carusa (SCS'19) was called in to represent Ireland in two important Euro 21 qualifiers. GUHoyas.com caught up with both Carusa and Leat to ask how things were going.

Anna just wrapped up 10 days in Portugal at the highly competitive Algarve Cup. After a very successful role with the U17s at the World Cup in 2019 she has moved up a level to the senior team. Her team played against Belgium, Italy and Norway this past week and went 1-2. The New Zealand native got the start against Italy in the semifinal and despite losing 3-0 against a strong European nation like Italy, she showed some strong talent in the net.

How have you settled into life here in the U.S., in particular as a student-athlete at Georgetown?

Leat: Life in the U.S. has been an incredible experience so far. Georgetown has really welcomed me into the country and into college.
Being a student-athlete at Georgetown is a huge privilege with the lifestyle of getting to study at such a great university while playing on an awesome team.

What were your feelings when you got called up to the New Zealand squad for the Algarve Cup, as the team prepares for the Tokyo Olympics this summer?

Being called in for this tour meant very much to me. I was super excited to put my best foot forward in the buildup to the Olympics. After being out of the squad for a period of time, I was anxious to earn my spot on the team, both on and off the pitch. Coming out of the tour, I'm very happy with how I've gone in starting towards doing so and am really looking forward to the team's future and my part in it.

Describe your feelings when you learned you would start the semifinal vs. Italy?

It was a crazy feeling; a real mix of nerves, pride and excitement, but I felt confident that I was prepared. It was a big game for us, which unfortunately didn't go as planned, but the experience was huge for me and I loved being out there with the team.

What were your thoughts on that game and the week overall? What is next for you?

The Italy game was a tough one where we held our own for the most part and only lost our way towards the end. The first and last games were great battles in which we came out on top against Belgium and narrowly lost to Norway. From each of these games, and the whole tour, we will take what experience we can get and look to build our momentum going towards Tokyo. Right now, the focus is on training hard to refine technical takeaways from the tour and get in the best physical space for the Olympics.

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After one year of graduate studies at Georgetown and an incredible fifth-year season helping Georgetown to our second College Cup appearance in three years, Carusa finished her college soccer days determined to take her career to the next level, playing both professionally and hoping for an international career.

What have you been doing on the soccer front since you finished your studies at Georgetown?

Carusa: After my 2019 season with Georgetown, I was drafted in the 2019 NWSL Draft by Sky Blue FC in New Jersey. While it was a great experience to get to play with the team, I ultimately knew I wanted to continue my professional soccer career abroad. While finishing my final semester of the Integrated Marketing Communications program at Georgetown's School of Continuing Studies, I signed a contract with Le Havre AC in France. I was there for six months and graduated with my graduate's degree from Georgetown and presented my final capstone project while abroad. Currently, I am playing with HB Køge in Denmark and, more importantly, l recently became a citizen of the Republic of Ireland.

How did it come about that you got to represent the Republic of Ireland? How did you qualify?

My grandparents on my mom's side of the family are both Irish. They immigrated to the U.S. back in the 1950s. Through them I was able to qualify for Irish citizenship. It was a process; one that Dave Nolan pushed me to continue. Playing on the international stage with a national team is a dream of mine. You work your entire soccer career for an opportunity like that and I knew my Irish citizenship could give me this chance. Once I started my Irish citizenship process, Dave got me connected with the full team to discuss potentially playing with the full Irish team.

What were your feelings when you were called up to the Ireland squad last week for two important Euro Qualifiers vs. Greece and Montenegro?

I was incredibly humbled and honored! I appreciate the coaches believing in me and bringing me in for the first time to compete in such crucial games. I was completely prepared to compete and earn a spot with the team. Ultimately though, it was a chance the coaches took and I could not be happier they did. I was very excited to be with the team in Dublin and have my entire Irish family come out to support me. To wear my first ever Irish National Team jersey in front of the family I cherish so dearly, it was a situation I never imagined would happen.

How did it finally feel when you stepped onto the field for the first time as an Irish International?

In the moment, it feels like any other game and you really only have time to focus on the game. In actuality, it is momentous! Your last name is on your jersey along with the Irish flag. I am representing the Republic of Ireland, only possible because of the opportunity my amazing grandparents afforded me. It wasn't until after the game did I take a deep breath and realize this is so much more than any other time I stepped on the soccer field. The people who helped me in my journey, those who believed and supported me the entire time, I cannot thank them enough.

What's next for you with club and country?

I am contracted with HB Køge through the summer season.  I am continuing to train and prepare for possible future call ups with the Irish team as there are more qualifying matches to come, with some big games against Germany on the horizon. I am staying sharp and prepared to compete in whatever comes my way. Every week presents a new opportunity to me and I am here for it. It definitely feels like the start of something big!