Mikayla Hall Earns Call-Up to Saint Kitts & Nevis National Team

BOSTON, Mass. – Mikayla Hall, a sophomore on the Wentworth Institute of Technology women's soccer team, has been selected to represent the Saint Kitts & Nevis national team for its upcoming CONCACAF qualifier games. The opportunity itself is an honor, but for Hall, it means much more.

"My grandfather was from Saint Kitts & Nevis, and for those who aren't familiar, it is two very small islands in the Caribbean. He was a lawyer and one day we were sitting in his office, and we were joking around and he said he wanted to see me represent the national team and that he'd be there front and center to cheer me on," said Hall.

"I told him he had to bring me [to Saint Kitts & Nevis] because he hadn't been back in about 10 years. He passed away about a year later. One of his last wishes was to be buried with his father, so we held the funeral in Saint Kitts so the family could say goodbye."

While dealing with the loss of her grandfather, Hall looked to the game she loved as an outlet, as she has her entire life. She went out to find a few others and play in a pickup game nearby, a decision that would lead to an incredible opportunity.

"One day I joined in with a group playing pickup. There was a women's team training nearby as well, so I didn't think I could join them. I was outplaying them and they told me I couldn't play with them anymore, so I went over to the women's group and started playing with them.

"The head coach of the men's national team was watching, and he was talking to my uncle, who told him that I played in the US. During that trip, I was invited to one of the team practices and that's where they offered me a spot on the team. And then just a few weeks ago, I received the call that I was being called up to play for the national team."

Hall received a call from the Saint Kitts & Nevis head coach and assistant coach before the head of the national team organization called to inform her that they would like to see more of her on the field. She sent game film to the team over the course of two years before finally getting the call to come join the national team.

The journey has not been an easy one, with injuries keeping Hall sidelined for an extended period. Despite that adversity, Hall continued to work hard through the process, staying focused during training and recovery sessions at Wentworth.

"I feel good going into the training sessions despite missing time with an injury. I've always paid attention to what Meredith [Carey] wants the team to be on top of. I am going to bring my best and everything I've learned here into training. I understand I may be a bit behind, but I am going to put the work in to get onto the field. I am excited for the challenge I am about to face."

With the qualifiers fast approaching, Hall has taken time to reflect on where she was and how far she has come with her recovery process. Missing training sessions and games through injury took its toll on Hall, both physically and mentally.

"After getting injured and going through the recovery process, it was very hard on me, mentally. I kept going back to my faith and my belief in myself, knowing my ability and pushing through. If you don't believe in yourself, then nobody will."

Hall has played soccer her whole life, playing in big games with her teams throughout her career. Every game is an opportunity to showcase her ability, but few compare to the chance to do it on a national level. To represent Saint Kitts & Nevis in the qualifiers is a special moment not only for Hall and her family, but also for the entire country.

"We're a very small island, so to be able to bring our name out there and represent the country you're from is amazing. For us, it's bigger than just playing a match or two. It's the first time we're in the qualifying stage, so it's a big deal for our country to give ourselves a bigger name and potentially go to the World Cup."

The support for Hall extends beyond her family, as her teammates at Wentworth were ecstatic to hear about her call-up. The outpouring of support and excitement made the moment even more special for Hall.

An opportunity to represent your country does not come to many people and it is not a journey taken alone. Hall expressed tremendous love and gratitude to her family, specifically her mother, for the sacrifices she made to help her achieve her dreams.

"I can't thank my mom enough for everything she has done for me. Driving me to practice late at night, right after work, and taking time off work to take me to showcases all over, like in Florida and North Carolina. Without her, I wouldn't be here.

"It hasn't quite hit yet but I'm sure as soon as I land there it will. I'm really excited for this opportunity to represent my country and to be able to fulfill my grandfather's dream."

Saint Kitts & Nevis will play on Friday, April 17 against Curacao at 7:00 pm. The game will be broadcast on Paramount+ and the Golazo! Network. The Saint Kitts and Nevis Instagram page can be found here for more information about upcoming fixtures and team news.