Falcons’ Alozie opens up on juggling football with cancer research
Super Falcons of Nigeria defender, Michelle Alozie, has described living in United States as a huge plus as it has given her opportunity to effectively combine her soccer career with serving as a cancer researcher.
Alozie was born and bred in Apple Valley, California, to Nigerian parents. She attended the Granite Hills High School in her hometown.
Before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament, Alozie played football for the Yale Bulldogs as a student at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut
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She continued her college football at the University of Tennessee before she landed her professional football deal with BIIK Kazygurt in 2020.
The 26-year-old moved to Houston Dash in 2021 and was part of the Super Falcons squad that finished in the round of 16 of the 2023 Women’s World Cup.
Amidst all these, Alozie continued to serve as a cancer researcher with one Dr. Stephens who has a laboratory at Texas Children’s in the United States.
She said she is “living two lives” because of her love of helping children “find a cure for their cancer.”
“I think people are confused when they ask me about my time management, but if you think about it, especially here in the States, it’s kind of something that we’ve done most of our lives, kind of just balancing academic life and athletics”, Michelle Alozie told Attacking Third.
“And so I think that like just my role coming from the college level and even club level. When I was a teenager, I just got used to living two lives, basically. That’s kind of what I still do now.”
Disappointed that team failed advance from the round of 16 Alozie remains grateful to her teammates and effort made at the occassion.
“self disappointment overcasted with overwhelming pride for my teammates, gratitude for the journey, and glory to God—always” She had summed up after the team’s exit from the World cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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Those who appreciated her effort did not however hesistate to wish her well and commending her work rate.
“We love you Michelle and we are super proud of how you and the girls fought hard for the Nigerian colours. Keep your head high champ 👏” was one of the numerous appreciative comments that followed that comment.