Michelle Alozie facts for kids
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Alozie with the Houston Dash in 2024
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Michelle Chinwendu Alozie | ||
| Date of birth | 28 April 1997 | ||
| Place of birth | Apple Valley, California, U.S. | ||
| Height | 1.68m | ||
| Playing position | Forward / Defender | ||
| Club information | |||
| Current club | Houston Dash | ||
| Number | 11 | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 2011–2014 | Legends FC | ||
| 2011–2014 | Granite Hills Cougars | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| 2020 | BIIK Kazygurt | ||
| 2021– | Houston Dash | 55 | (6) |
| National team‡ | |||
| 2021– | Nigeria | 23 | (1) |
† Appearances (Goals). |
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Michelle Chinwendu Alozie (born 28 April 1997) is a professional footballer. She plays as a forward for the National Women's Soccer League team Houston Dash. Michelle was born in the United States. She plays for the Nigerian national team.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Michelle Alozie grew up in Apple Valley, California. Her parents are from Imo State, Nigeria. She went to Granite Hills High School in her hometown.
College Soccer Career
Michelle played soccer for the Yale Bulldogs at Yale University. She played there from 2015 to 2018. During her final year, she had a serious knee injury.
After Yale, Michelle went to the University of Tennessee. She continued to play soccer for the Tennessee Volunteers in 2019.
Professional Club Career
After college, Michelle hoped to join a professional team. She entered the 2019 NWSL College Draft in 2019. This is where professional teams choose new players from colleges. However, she was not picked by any team at that time.
Playing for BIIK Kazygurt
In January 2020, Michelle signed with BIIK Kazygurt. This team was the champion of women's football in Kazakhstan. She trained with them for three months. But the season ended early because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Michelle then returned to California.
Joining the Houston Dash
In 2021, Michelle joined the Houston Dash for a trial. Her childhood friend, Ally Prisock, was already playing there. A coach named Twila Kilgore had also tried to recruit Michelle before.
Michelle first signed a temporary contract with the Dash. Later, in August 2021, she signed a full contract. In the 2022 season, she started her first playoff game. This was when the Dash made it to the NWSL Playoffs. In December 2022, Michelle signed a new contract. It keeps her with the Dash for two more years.
International Football Career
Michelle Alozie played her first international game for Nigeria on June 10, 2021. She came into the game as a substitute. Nigeria lost 1–0 to Jamaica in a friendly match. This game was part of a series in Houston. Michelle had only trained with the Nigerian team for one day before playing.
In Nigeria's next game against Portugal, Michelle scored her first goal for Nigeria. The game ended in an exciting 3–3 draw.
Playing in the FIFA Women's World Cup
On June 16, 2023, Michelle was chosen for Nigeria's team. She played in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. She played every minute for her team, known as the Super Falcons. Nigeria played well but lost to England in the Round of 16. The game ended 0–0 and went to penalty kicks.
During the England game, something notable happened. Michelle won the ball from England's forward, Lauren James. James then committed a foul. After a video review (VAR), James was given a red card. She was sent off the field.
In December 2023, Michelle was recognized as one of Africa's best players. She was named to the CAF Women's Africa Best XI team.
Off-field Medical Career
Michelle Alozie earned a degree in Molecular Biology from Yale University. She also works part-time. She is a cancer research technician at the Texas Children's Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Personal Life
In 2024, Michelle Alozie was part of a TV show. It was called The Offseason. This reality show followed a group of NWSL players. It showed them training before the new soccer season began.
See also
In Spanish: Michelle Alozie para niños
