DURHAM — Since graduating from Duke in 2013, Natasha Anasi has turned in an impressive professional soccer career overseas. She recently played in Iceland and is currently competing on one of the biggest stages in Norway. Anasi is one of Duke’s all-time great defenders and was the Blue Devils’ first MAC Hermann Trophy finalist in 2011. She helped guide Duke to the NCAA College Cup in 2011 and was a NSCAA All-America selection in 2011 and 2012.
GoDuke recently caught up with Anasi…
GoDuke: Where are you playing these days and for what team?
Natasha Anasi: I am currently playing in Bergen, Norway for the club SK Brann.
GD: Give us a rundown on how things have been going for you recently as we hear you have comeback from an injury and started playing again.
NA: I was a bit unlucky to suffer an Achilles rupture shortly after I signed for Brann. After returning to the pitch, I was able to catch the last few games of our club season and now, have joined the team as we compete in the group stage of Champions League. It has been an absolute dream to have managed to come back from this injury and compete in one of the biggest competition on the world stage.
GD: How big was it that your team qualified for the Champions League?
NA: It was huge. We have managed to etch our name into Norwegian history as we are the first Norwegian women’s team to compete in the group stage (in the current format).
GD: In your first game in the Champions League, you scored a goal. I am sure that had to be a great feeling?
NA: The feeling was indescribable. I had worked incredibly hard to get back on the pitch and seeing the ball hit the back of the net made all those long hours feel worth it. I almost couldn´t believe it and honestly, it took me a few days to recover from that emotional high.
GD: How was it coming back from the injury that you suffered?
NA: It was incredibly difficult, especially since my family is still based in Iceland. Long-term injuries are mentally exhausting and test your patience. I am so lucky to have an amazing support team around me. They constantly reassured me that I would be back and how the moment will feel when I finally reach the finish line. I learned a lot about myself through this rehabilitation process. My teammates and the coaching staff were incredible to me so, I was happy to be able…
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