If it weren’t for the tired body following a gruelling week of school and training Eliza Ammendolia would have to pinch herself as she runs onto the football pitch.
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She played alongside the likes of Canadian international Carmelina Moscato and Matildas player Caitlin Cooper.
The long days are worth it for the West Griffith junior who is realising her dream by playing with the Western Sydney Wanderers in the W-League.
“It’s hard, some days you come home from school and you’re exhausted,” Ammendolia told The Area News during a short visit to Griffith.
“You have to get up and train but once you’re there you get into the thrill of things and being with the girls is always good.”
A regular day for Ammendolia starts at 6.30am before a train is taken to school.
The Griffith native attends Hill Sports High and trains with the school side at an allocated time during the day.
A train ride back home where Ammedolia has a quick bite to eat is followed by training with the Wanderers which happens every second day.
“I don’t even know how I cope to be honest, you’re in the thrill of things, the adrenalin’s rushing through,” Ammendolia said.
Ammendolia played her first game for Western Sydney against Adelaide United in round one of the W-League.
She was brought into the game at the 71st minute.
The 16-year-old vividly remembers the moments prior to taking the field.
“I was standing on the sideline, my number was put up and I freaked out,” Ammendolia said.
“I was like, ‘this isn't happening to me’.
“It was pretty scary but once I got on the field all that went away.”
Ammedolia said her game had improved “significantly” since joining Western Sydney.
She noted American Keelin Winters as somewhat of a mentor at the club.
Ammendolia has notched up three games for the Wanderers this season.
That included a spot in the starting 11 in the third round.
A bout of the flu has put her out of action for the past three weeks but Ammendolia hopes to return for the round seven clash against Canberra United.