About an hour northwest of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, lies the city of Stirling. Farmland flourishes around this part of the country and so does the sport of soccer. 

Freshman defender Kate Nicolson recalled much about her hometown over 4,000 miles away from her new home at the University of South Alabama. 

"I talk to my mom every day," said Nicolson. "I miss being on the farm with my dad and helping him out – I used to be out there every day and night."

Her soccer career began outside of the long days on the farm, on the pitch playing with a boys' club. 

"I started at Strathendrick, which is a boys' club, then I moved to Central before I went to Celtic FC," she said. "It was a really good level to play at. Just before I came over here I moved up to the first team for a season, I was playing with girls that were a lot older and more experienced so it taught me a lot about playing at the next level."

Central, her former club, would prove to be a crucial part of getting her to come to Mobile.

"I spoke to Coach [Richard] Moodie and Coach [Rob] Ward while they were in Scotland, they knew some people over at Central, so that's how the connection was made."

After meeting with the coaches, Kate said she had time to consider her options, but then the decision was almost made for her when the COVID-19 pandemic struck. 

"I was talking with other schools but then COVID came about so I decided I was going to stay and go to a nearby college back in Scotland. Things started clearing up and Coach Moodie got ahold of me and the next thing you know – we had some Zoom calls and two weeks after that I signed," Nicolson continued. "I think it was kind of meant to happen that way and I'm happy it did."

On top of being recruited during a pandemic, the Scotland native did it at the age of 17, which she says hasn't stopped her from improving her performance on the field.

"I think moving away from home at this age has been hard, I never thought at 17 that I would be moving to the other side of the world, but the way the team works together hasn't been affected much. Regardless of age, we all have the same goals and ambitions," Kate continued about her new team. "I think for me coming in as the youngest in the squad it's about trying to be a sponge and absorb as much that I can from girls like D[eanna Green] and Kory Dixon, who have been around the program for years. Even though I'm younger I still think I can make an impact on the team."

Shortly after she arrived in Mobile, she realized that South is home.

"It's certainly different, I come from a farm so it's very quiet and in the middle of nowhere. I like how it's not like the middle of London and I've met some nice people in my classes, everyone has been lovely so far."

The southern hospitality was very welcoming to the incoming freshman, her team brought even more that helped her adjust to her new environment.

"The returners have made it very easy to transition into this new squad, everyone has been welcoming. The team has been lovely to me so it's been easier to be away from home, it's almost like a family away from family," she said.

Kate's warm welcome gave her a sense of normalcy in the short time the team had for training camp. Luckily for Moodie, her skills transitioned well with her move to Mobile.

"She's a top-level player – in terms of her being an aerial threat, I don't think we've seen that since Steffi Hardy or Hannah Godfrey with our center backs. She converts the half-chances, she's a winner, leader and a force to be reckoned with," Moodie said. "Kate's attitude and personality are what sets her apart from the rest. She's never known anything else other than hard work and dedication. She is a young lady that loves life, as young and mature as she is speaks volumes about how her family has raised her."

Nicolson's personality has been received well by her new team; she's described as a good friend, funny, helpful and confident. The defender's ability to mesh well with her team off the field has transitioned into amazing performances on the pitch this season. The freshman is the third-leading goal scorer on the team alongside fellow UK international Lexi Lloyd-Smith, Imane Addi and Kailey Littleford. In her collegiate debut, she scored the first goal of the season for the Jags during the Troy Tournament against Alabama A&M and went on to lead the match with two goals.

The Scotland native has had a good start to her time in her new home at South Alabama. Her humble beginnings provided her with a good work ethic which has transitioned to great performances on the pitch. 

For more information about South Alabama athletics, check back with www.usajaguars.com, and follow the Jaguars at www.twitter.com/WeAreSouth_JAGS. Season tickets for all Jaguar athletic events can be purchased by calling (251) 461-1USA (1872).

Join the Upper 90 Club, the soccer specific support club of the Jaguar Athletic Fund. All gifts to the Upper 90 Club go directly to support the South Alabama soccer program. For more information on how you can join visit: http://jaguarathleticfund.com/upper90

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