'It’s a dream come true... since the moment I first kicked a ball I wanted to be a professional'

In that year, Connolly began playing for Florida State on a four-year scholarship to Florida State University to study sports management. In her first season for the Seminoles, Connolly played a pivotal role in their 2015 ACC Women’s Soccer Tournament success, contributing nine goals and ten assists. She was named ACC ‘Midfielder of the Year’ and ACC ‘Freshman of the Year’.

“Once the season ended in Florida State, I was able to get an agent and begin the process of finding a club. Before Christmas, I signed with an agency (Summit Sports Global) and gave them my CV and footage, so they could seek out clubs for me.

“It’s also amazing to be close to home."

"My aim for the season is to contribute to Brighton anyway I can. I’m going to work hard to get time on the pitch and to develop as a player and bring these experiences into the Irish team and to just, ultimately, grow as a player in both teams,” Connolly said.
