Indiana Dos Santos has highlighted her own unique situation as one of the key reasons that she has walked away with the Young Player of the Year Award at this year’s Dolan Warren Awards.
The 17-year-old beat out numerous other talented players to take home the prestigious award that has been won by many big names in Australian Women’s football including Ellie Carpenter, Steph Catley & Kyah Simon to name a few.
After receiving her award, Dos Santos was as humble as every thanking those closest to her.
“I am extremely honoured and very privileged to win this award and it is a credit to everyone who has helped me on this journey from my teammates, my coaches and of course my family.
“I wouldn’t say I have been working toward this but I think just playing my football and smiling and enjoying it everyday has been the real award so to win this I am so honoured,” she said.
“It’s always been a dream to be a footballer so when I keep hearing my name [for youngest goalscorer or appearance maker etc.] then it is a little step closer towards my goal but I need to stay humble and keep working hard.”
This season, Dos Santos cemented herself as a regular starter for Ante Juric, making 20 appearances across the season and starting every single one of them.
The teenager also contributed with three goals and three assists in a tough season for the Sky Blues and she highlighted that it’s a chance to put it right next year.
“Starting games certainly helped me grow as a player and a person as I believe game time is very important because without it you don’t develop as a player.”
Finally, she revealed one of the biggest motivators to her winning this award and what could be her secret weapon is her unique family situation.
Dos Santos is one of four girls with her older sister Jynaya formerly of Sydney FC, now at Canberra United and her younger sister Kiki now on the books of the Western Sydney Wanderers.
She revealed that this sibling rivalry has been so key to her development.
“It’s really good to have all of our sisters playing football.
‘It makes it easier for each other because we just push each other and train together and we develop so much more… But it makes it very difficult for my parents because they have to travel between games and wear different jerseys,” she joked.
“I’ve got my drivers licence now so that does make it a lot easier for me getting to training, games and school now.”
