Alijah Titre, born April 25^th 1998 is a young, rising female footballer from the Commonwealth of Dominica. Titre took to football from a very tender age, having been influenced by her father Albert Titre who is also an avid footballer and community coach.

She was fortunate enough to grow up in the communities of Kingshill and Newtown, where most of the well-known footballers were groomed. In 2007, Alijah started playing formally after enrolling in the Newtown Juvenile Football Academy (NJFA) where she was the only girl. It was at the NJFA that Alijah’s talent and skill for the game quickly singled her out. “As young as I was, I don’t think I ever missed not one game which took place at the Newtown savannah back when the leagues were going on. I would enjoy looking at teams like Cesseme Street, Harlem, Bath Estate, and the list goes on. There were players on every team that I specifically looked at and would learn from,” she expressed.

Moreover, Titre did not limit her skill and talent to the NJFA. After many awards and accolades Alijah graduated from NJFA in 2014 and was selected to help re-ignite the Harlem Women’s Football team – a call that she enthusiastically answered. She considered different avenues so that she may get the exposure and become a more seasoned footballer. She represented her alma mater the Dominica Grammar School, the Free Kick Foundation, and her island under the Dominica Football Association’s National Women’s team. “Every year I gain more respect and confidence in my ability to excel within the sport of football,” she stated.

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After having a solid foundation from her childhood, in 2017, Alijah had the opportunity to go to a Free kick Foundation Football showcase in St. Lucia, along with players like Andrez Joseph, Gyles Mitchel, Montel James, Fitz Jolly, Romelcia Phillip and more. According to Titre, following that time, all seven footballers who had left Dominica to showcase their talent in front many different coaches from colleges around the world, had gotten immediate scholarships. She added, “I was recruited by Monique Edouard, women’s soccer coach for Essex County College in New Jersey. After receiving this soccer scholarship, I was able to win two Region 19 Championships at Essex and obtain my associates degree in Business Hospitality in just 2 years.”

After graduating in 2019, she got a call from the women’s soccer team coach from Bryant & Stratton college, who was interested in her. She was offered an opportunity to play for the school and accepted wholeheartedly. As of present, Titre is still at the Bryant & Stratton College and will be graduating in April 2022 with a Bachelor’s degree.

“With all that I have accomplished during my years of being a student athlete, I cannot forget how good God is. I’ve faced many challenges, financial hardships, being homesick, learning to adapt to the new environment and the people, but up to this day I haven’t given up,” Titre voiced. She added, “I can say that I am a much better person, I’ve gained a lot of confidence and experience especially playing with players from all over the world, such as Brazil, Germany, Japan, Congo and all the Caribbean islands you could think of.”

Remarkably, Titre indicated that one of her biggest accomplishments this year is having won the USCAA National Champions of 2021 (Division 1). “First time in History, the women’s team has won the championship. This was something that I prayed for and really wanted. As a senior at Bryant & Stratton College, I feel like this was the best way to end my college soccer career,” she explained. Titre ended the season as the leading goal scorer for the team with 6 goals and 3 assists. In addition, she received the USCAA National All-Academic Award 2021. To add to her football achievements, she also made the dean’s list, one too many times.

Furthermore, Titre expressed that numerous individuals locally have motivated her and contributed to her current success. “One of the biggest reasons I love wearing the #10 jersey, is because of Mitchell Joseph (Baggio). I just loved his style of play. I’ve had many strong sports advocates in my corner, like Mr. Don Leogal, Soulka Emmanuel, Sabrina Bully, Dunstan Maggie Peters, Sheldon Casimir, My Dad etc. without them a lot wouldn’t have been possible,” she stated thankfully.

Furthermore, she outlines that her inspiration has stemmed from a network of people who have been continuously pushing her to be her best self. She expressed, “My inspiration came from so many things, when I see where I come from, I have no other desire but to grow and become someone great. I just want to thank my parents, my older sibling, and close friends who became family, for always supporting me. Thank you to the Free Kick Foundation, Harlem United, DFA and the Government of Dominica for playing a huge part in my journey.” Moreover, Titre pointed out that professional football player, Julian “Juju” Wade is one of her greatest inspirations. She hopes to one day join him on the short list of professional football players from the island of Dominica. Until then, she is committed to working tirelessly towards that dream.

In addition, Titre took the opportunity to advise and encourage other sports enthusiasts, specifically female footballers, to stay focus, stay motivated and stay dedicated to their dreams. “Right now, football has opened doors for many. Coaches are seeing how talented the Caribbean players are and want us to play for their schools. This is major! You cannot go wrong when you are balancing sports and education. There’s no greater feeling than playing the game you love and still maintaining a 3.0 GPA and above,” she conveyed.

From the period 2007 onwards, Alijah has secured numerous awards including MVP award NJFA (2007), special recognition NJFA (2008 and 2010), most promising player (2009), Rookie of the year (2012-2013), Best Striker- Secondary School Girls League (2013), Most goals, Best Striker and female footballer of the Year- Dominica Football Association (2014/2015) and MVP award – National Sports Awards (2016).

Of utmost importance, Titre considers sports as a pathway to success as long as the athlete makes wise decisions. She advised, “Be wise and make decisions that are going to make you and your life better. Please eliminate the idea that because Covid exists you cannot achieve your dreams because you can!”

Most definitely, Titre has proven to be one of the aspiring female footballers from Dominica. While she has faced countless challenges it has not caused her to wallow in the disappointments or failures. With the right network of people and organizations, Alijah Titre may some day place Dominica on the map for female football. It is left to be seen. Her mission continues.