Thompson Shooting To Golden Boot
Words: Garry McKenzie
Image: Chris Simpson
Prolific Palm Beach SC Women forward Deeanna Thompson says she has exceeded her own expectations by becoming the first PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women's player to net 20 goals.
The 21-year old moved two clear in the Golden Boot race with a double in the 7-1 win over SWQ Thunder on the weekend.
“I am very surprised with the outcome of the season,” Thompson said.
“I didn’t set a target to be top goal scorer but as the weeks progress so do my goals and I couldn’t be happier.”
Keeping the Sharks attacker on her toes are goalscoring rivals Tegan Riding of Eastern Suburbs, UQFC’s Greta Bodey and Sunshine Coast pair Samara Christmas and Sofie Persson.
Thompson said while winning the Golden Boot would be a great achievement, her focus is supporting her teammates as they aim to close out the premiership.
“The team has been great to me and I am so thankful to be playing with them,” she said.
“Our team builds well starting from Bronte (Rose) and Tayler (Stevens) at the back to Lauren (Brown) up front holding up the ball.
“We are working harder and harder each week to stay on top and it’s paying off for us.”
The ex-Mullumbimby SC junior joined Sharks in 2013 after a stint playing senior football with Northern New South Wales community club Bangalow FC.
Thompson said the move to a higher level of competition has improved her skills considerably and credits Sharks coach Gary French with helping to enhance her individual talents.
While she hopes sustained form in PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland will attract the attention of Westfield W-League clubs or open overseas opportunities, Sunday’s trip to an in-form Fire side is of more immediate concern.
Thompson is expecting a tough encounter despite scoring as Sharks won the reverse fixture earlier in the season.
“Sunshine Coast are a tough (team to) beat and we cannot underestimate them,” Thompson said.
“Every team in this competition brings something to the table, making each game a challenge which is why this is such a good competition.
“Just like each week we have to prepare ourselves mentally and physically for a tough game to hopefully come away with three points.”
PlayStation 4 NPL Queensland Round 16
Sunshine Coast FC Women v Palm Beach SC Women
Kawana Sports Precinct, Sunshine Coast
Saturday, 21 June
Kick-off - 3:00PM
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