United’s Claudia reflects on our Ninja A-League Women’s positive and determined start to the season, as the side continues to fight for a top six finish. After a challenging 2023/24 campaign, she believes the squad has gained a new edge, with every player motivated to rewrite this season’s ending.
“I think it’s been a pretty positive start to the season,” Claudia shared. “Considering where we were last year, there’s definitely a bit more fire in the team this time around. No one wants the wooden spoon, and I think that determination is really driving us.”
The team’s attacking style of football has been a standout feature of their performance so far. Claudia highlighted the exciting play on display, crediting the fresh influx of new and returning players who have added depth and quality to the squad: “It’s a great group of girls,” Claudia added.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Adelaide to see if they can maintain their competitive edge and secure a place among the league’s best.
While Adelaide’s Claudia is currently enjoying a standout season, her rise to prominence has been anything but overnight. As a goalkeeper, her journey has been marked by patience, persistence, and waiting for the right opportunity to shine.
“I think being a goalkeeper, you’re often just biding your time until you get your chance,” Claudia explained. “Sometimes it comes, sometimes it doesn’t.” Signed at 18, Claudia spent several seasons on the bench before making her debut at 26. Her breakthrough came early last season, with her first appearance coming in the second game. For many goalkeepers, it’s a waiting game – if the starting keeper is in form, breaking into the team can be a tough challenge.
Claudia’s journey off the pitch has been just as important as her time on it. Despite limited match action, she remained focused on personal growth and stayed motivated by the strong support from her teammates and coaches. “When you’re not playing, you need to find good things off the field,” she shared, noting how the team environment has played a pivotal role in her development.
The off-season also provided her with some game time, even though she faced setbacks like a wrist injury. “I broke my wrist, but at least I got a couple of games in,” she said, acknowledging the importance of staying match fit, even when opportunities are scarce.
Originally from the Barossa Valley, Claudia’s roots are in a rural farming community. “I grew up on a horse farm, but I was much more of a city girl at heart,” she recalled with a laugh. Her early exposure to sport came through her energetic childhood, which involved plenty of time outdoors. As she got older, football became her passion, and traveling long distances for training and games became a regular part of her routine.
Reflecting on her journey, Claudia emphasised the importance of perseverance. “It’s about being ready when your moment comes,” she said. With her current form, it’s clear that her time has arrived, and Adelaide’s fans are reaping the rewards of her dedication.
Claudia’s path to becoming a goalkeeper was anything but conventional. Initially starting her football journey as a centre-back, she spent a significant part of her youth career as a left full-back, before a fateful switch during her time at NTC. Just weeks before a major NTC challenge, both goalkeepers were injured, and Claudia was thrown into the role. “They chucked me into a game and didn’t let me out,” she recalled. “I’m still here, waiting to be put back on the left wing, but I think my time has passed now.”
While goalkeepers are often stereotyped as craving the limelight of scoring goals, Claudia admitted to getting the itch herself. “I’ve always wanted to play striker,” she laughed. In fact, before her breakthrough at Adelaide United, an injury to her finger saw her temporarily move to a field player role for Adelaide City in the WNPL, playing right wing. While the experience was fun, Claudia quickly realised field play required a whole different level of fitness. “I’m definitely better suited for goalkeeping now,” she said with a grin.
Claudia’s career also took her abroad to the United States, where she spent time at college, playing football at a competitive level. “I loved college,” she said. The intense, football-focused environment allowed her to thrive, with training, gym sessions, and matches all part of the daily routine. It was a sharp contrast to the state of football back in Australia at the time. “The A-League has come a long way, but back then, it wasn’t as established,” she noted. “In the US, football was like a full-time job. You trained, studied, and played regularly.”
While in the U.S., Claudia studied English and psychology, managing the academic side alongside her football commitments. However, balancing the time zone differences, classes, and football was challenging. “I’d be bartending late at night and then zooming into classes at 2am,” she recalled. Despite the demands, the experience helped shape her both as a player and a person.
Returning to Australia during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Claudia faced a difficult period. After finishing her senior year online from Australia, she considered stepping away from football altogether. “The football scene here was very different, especially with the impact of COVID,” she explained. “I was ready to quit.” However, the lure of the game, combined with a lack of goalkeepers, eventually pulled her back in. Slowly, her passion reignited, and she began to feel excited about playing again. A major turning point came when she broke her finger just before a trial with the team, adding extra stress to an already daunting situation. Despite the injury, Claudia’s determination paid off, and she secured the scholarship spot at Adelaide United.
Her debut in round two of the 2023 season was an emotional moment, especially for her family, who had supported her throughout her journey. Her mother’s reaction at the game was a memorable highlight, as she watched her daughter finally take the field after years of hard work. The bond within the Adelaide United goalkeeper union is also noteworthy, with a supportive atmosphere between Claudia, Annie, Ilona, and Grace, who all encourage one another despite the competitive nature of the position.
It wasn’t long before Claudia was determined to make her mark and catch the eye of Adelaide United once more. Her resilience paid off, and today she’s not only back in the game, but thriving in a position she never quite imagined would become her own.
Looking ahead, Claudia remains focused on one game at a time, with her eyes set on continuing to perform consistently for the team. While comparisons to Morgan Aquino’s trajectory have been drawn, Claudia is taking a humble approach, prioritising the present and the next match. Her ambition is clear, but she’s determined to stay grounded and focused on her development, aware that opportunities will come with time.
Article adapted from Claudia Jenkins’ interview with Radio Dub.
