Written By Samina Moss
My fellow Bahamians, I want to share with you a truly inspiring moment in sports history, one that will remind us all of the power of perseverance and the strength of the human spirit. The story of the Bahamas Beach Soccer Women’s National Team is a story of heart, of determination, and of never giving up, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As you all know, the team had a tough time at the ANOC 2023 World Beach Games Qualifiers for Beach Soccer. They lost all of their games, including a crushing 6-0 defeat to the USA, a 5-1 loss to El Salvador, and a 4-1 defeat to Trinidad and Tobago. It was a tough blow, and many people had written them off.
But then, the team traveled to Acapulco for the 2023 Beach Soccer Cup. And in their final game against the very team that had handed them their biggest loss of the tournament – the USA – something truly amazing happened.
From the very start of the game, it was clear that The Bahamas team was not going to back down. They fought fiercely, battling every inch of the way. They refused to let the USA team get the best of them, despite being outmatched in many ways.
And then, something miraculous happened. Karen Wert scored for the Bahamas in the 8th minute of the 1st period, giving them a much-needed boost of confidence. And then, just a few minutes later, the USA team committed an own goal, giving The Bahamas another goal and setting the stage for an incredible comeback.
The USA team certainly didn’t make it easy for them. They were fast, skilled, and determined to win. But The Bahamas team showed incredible heart and resilience. They continued to push forward, refusing to give up, even when things seemed impossible.
And then, more drama unfolded. The USA team took the lead with a goal in the 10th minute of the 1st period by Jeane Sunseri-warp. But The Bahamas team continued to fight back, with Hadassah Knowles scoring in the 4th minute of the 3rd period, and Karen Wert scoring again in the opening kick-off of the extra time period.
But the USA team wasn’t done yet. Alexandria Hall scored for them in the 2nd minute of the extra time period, tying the game once again. It was anyone’s game at that point. And then, with just 5 seconds left in the game, Hannah Adler scored for the USA, sealing their victory.
Although they may not have won the game, The Bahamas Beach Soccer Women National Team showed us what true grit and determination look like. They refused to let their previous losses get them down, and they fought hard until the very end. They may have lost the game, but they won the respect and admiration of everyone who watched them play.
So let us all take a page from this team’s book. Let us never give up on our dreams, no matter how difficult things may seem. Let us fight with all our might, and show the world what we are truly capable of. Because, as The Bahamas Beach Soccer Women National Team showed us, anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a refusal to give up.
Behind The 8 Ball Stories
Behind The 8 Ball is a sports story series which captures the spirit of overcoming adversity and achieving success despite challenging circumstances. The series showcase inspiring stories of athletes and teams who have faced obstacles, such as injuries, setbacks, or discrimination, and have found ways to overcome them.