Filipinas’ Jessika Cowart. –FILIPINAS PHOTO
Jessika Cowart has joined the final preparations of the Philippine women’s football team for the Fifa Women’s World Cup after taking part in Thursday’s training session in Auckland, New Zealand.
Photos of Cowart were shared by the Filipinas on their social media platforms after the defender played for her club in Sweden before its top domestic league took a break for the World Cup.
The 23-year-old Cowart is currently attached with IFK Dalmar of Sweden’s Damallsvenskan.
“It’s hard to put into words what I’m feeling right now,” Cowart said in a recent video following Dalmar’s last match before the break.
“It’s been a lifelong dream to play in the World Cup. And to represent such a strong country like the Philippines, I mean, the pride we have in our heritage, it’s quite an honor and truly blessed,” she added.
Cowart has appeared in 19 international matches since becoming a part of the Philippine squad during a European camp in June 2022.
While also known as one of the team’s key players at the back, Cowart has also produced one of the important goals in the recent success of the Filipinas when her opener set up a 3-0 win over Thailand in the final of last year’s AFF Women’s Championship at Rizal Memorial Stadium.
Cowart is one of eight defenders selected by coach Alen Stajcic to make the team’s 23-player squad list for the World Cup.