by Hibernians brought American Natalee Geren to Maltese shores over the summer and the defender has seamlessly settled into the Paolites’ back line. She debuted in the six-goal thriller against Mgarr United, following which she has become a mainstay in the centre of defence alongside Amy Busuttil.
Hailing from the United States, she played her college football with Little Rock which saw her contribute four goals and five assists. Standing at 170 cm tall, the defender is also fairly quick. Besides her strengths in defensive duties, she has good ball-playing ability whose vision has already been on display.
The Sporting Fan met with Geren to discuss her beginnings in football, how she’s finding life at Malta and objectives with the team.
Eleanor Saliba (ES): When did you first start playing football?
Natalee Geren (NG): I was around three or four, so pretty young. I was on like a four-player team which included boys too, where we would have matches organized for us but it was about us kicking a ball rather than competitive football.
ES: The fact that you play college football is different to what one can do in Malta, where football is separate to the studies. What was that like for you with Little Rock?
NG: I played in college for five years. It took some getting used to at first and I think it helped that I did club while doing high school. However, college was a lot more intense because we had two games per week, so we were travelling a lot and also had training every day. I also juggled a job too. So, I think it was just the challenge of finding a balance to do everything.
ES: Considering how big women’s football is in the USA, what was particularly attractive for you to come to Malta to play football?
NG: It’s always been my dream to go abroad to play, so once I got the opportunity, I just couldn’t really see myself saying no.
ES: How do you like living in Malta so far?
NG: It’s my first time out of the country ever, so I think it would have been a big adjustment, wherever I would have gone. However, Malta is cool, all the people I’ve interacted with are super nice, so I like it.
ES: Hibernians is the club which has the highest number of league titles (12) in the women’s game. It is a tally that Birkirkara are bidding to equal this year. Do you feel that history when training and playing the matches with the team?
NG: It was something that we talked about when I was deciding whether to come play or not. I think this season is about getting another title and continuing it on, instead of letting other teams maybe catch up. I feel that being with the team there is really that ambition to win this year and do well.
ES: You were thrown into a trial by fire in your match against Mgarr United. What was that match like for you in the pitch?
NG: I liked it. I think it took me a few minutes to get settled and get used to the style of play, but I enjoyed it. I like playing at a high level and against competitive teams. I think it helps me perform better, so I think it was a really good way for me to start.
ES: We have seen you deployed in the centre of defence alongside Amy Busuttil. How are you finding that partnership?
NG: It’s good, I think the more we train together the more comfortable we get and we’re able to work off of each other. I think she’s an amazing player, so it helps to have somebody of that talent to play next to, so I enjoy it.
ES: One of the exciting things about watching you play is not only your ability to defend but your ball playing ability. Was this something that you particularly worked on in your development and something that you enjoy, to build up the attack?
NG: I’ve worked on it with different teams I used to play with back home, where the coaches wanted fast players out front and so I was tasked with kicking towards them long. It helped to practice those long balls. I think it can be useful at times, but I don’t like to do it all the time because I prefer to keep the possession. However, if the other team is player a super high line and I see an opportunity to catch them, then yeah I’d go for it.
ES: Although you have mainly been deployed in the centre of the defence, you can also play as a full-back. Is this a position that you played in regularly back home and which do you prefer, considering that as a full-back you also have more attacking duties?
NG: I mainly played in the centre, but in college there were a few games where I played as a full-back. I would say I prefer centre-back more, but I don’t mind playing full-back. I used to play forward when I was younger, so playing full-back sort of gives me the best of both worlds. My speed also helps me to play full-back and go for the attack. I enjoy it every now and then.
ES: What would you say are your ambitions with the club for this year?
NG: I think as a team I want us to go out and play the best we can every game, show that we are one of the top teams in the league and compete for the title.
Quick Fire Questions:
- Make Goal-Stopping Tackle or Play a Forward Pass (that leads to a goal)? – Make Goal-Stopping Tackle
- Play in cold weather or hot weather? – Hot Weather
- Savoury or sweet food? – Sweet (Definitely)
- Score an own goal or concede a penalty? – Concede A Penalty
- Favourite football player? – Julie Ertz
- Halloween or 4th of July? – 4th of July
- Getting ready for a match: music or no music? – Music
- More strength or more speed? – More Speed
- If you were not a defender what would you want to be? – Midfielder
- Dream competition to play in? – World Cup
The Sporting Fan thanks Natalee Geren for her time to be able bring you this feature and look forward to continue seeing more of her on the pitch. Hibernians FC will continue their league commitments next Friday 13th October against Birkirkara FC at 18:00 (Centenary Stadium).
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