Five minutes with... Shelina Zadorsky

Shelina Zadorsky, 29, joined Spurs Women in August, 2020 and, less than six months later, was named captain by Rehanne Skinner. This week, she extended her stay at the Club for another year. She’s also an Olympic gold medallist, capped 82 times by Canada.

How are you today, Shelina?

Shelina: “I’m well. I always bring the energy.”

Talk us through a typical day...

Shelina: “Well, today is Monday, so we came in for a recovery session after playing Chelsea yesterday. I woke up about 8am, drove in, got in about 9am, had breakfast, then had a recovery session in the gym. We had ice baths, bike, foam roller, then had lunch as a team, then reviewed the game against Chelsea.”

Can you sleep after a game?

Shelina: “Absolutely not!”

You’re an Olympic gold medallist - will that ever sink in?

Shelina: “I don’t know. It’s funny, last time I was with a Canadian team-mate, we said, ‘did that really happen?’ because time moves so quickly, you are back at your clubs and into it. We celebrated at the time, I was so well received when I came back to Spurs. It’s a bit surreal because so few people actually get to experience it.”

What’s it like to be Spurs captain?

Shelina: “First of all, it’s an honour. The direction the team is moving in is incredible, Rehanne Skinner has done an amazing job. What a season - and it’s not over yet. We all want to keep improving. I’m always trying to better myself and coming to the WSL was such a great decision. Then, being appointed captain in a team of leaders is something I take as such an honour. We have such a great group that it’s easy to find leadership throughout that group.”

You have a rare day off - what is your perfect day?

Shelina: “First, I would have a great sleep in. Then I’d get my favourite iced latte, then I’d play some chess - that probably makes me sound like a real nerd! Then, hopefully, the weather is nice, and I’d pop into London, maybe get brunch, see friends, then another fun activity, maybe a little shopping, then a nice dinner out, because there are so many options!”

Describe your worst-ever hairstyle...

Shelina: “That’s hilarious. When I was at High School... you guys call it a ‘fringe’, we call it ‘bangs’, anyway, I’ll say a fringe, and I had a fringe that pretty much went sideways, and I’d slick it across my forehead, with my long hair. That was horrific and I was soon told so, I think by my sister!"

What is your favourite Spurs moment, so far?

Shelina: “That’s tough. I’d say winning at Manchester City earlier this season. That was amazing. It was one of those performances where we were fearless, on the front foot and to come away with a win against such an incredible side, that was such a proud moment.”

What advice would you give to budding Shelinas?

Shelina: “I’ve been given some great advice over the years, and one thing I would say is, ‘don’t worry about what people think of you’, that’s big for youngsters. Just enjoy yourselves, have fun, surround yourself with people who lift you up and also challenge you. That will get the best out of you. If you want to be the best, surround yourself with the best early on, and learn from them. And who cares what people say? Just go for it!”

We spoke to Shelina on Monday, after our WSL match against Chelsea on Sunday...