Checking in With Charley
by Chad Bishop (photo by Sitthixay Ditthavong/Canberra Times)Former Commodore thriving in professional soccer
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Vanderbilt Athletics recently caught up with former Vandy soccer star Simone Charley.
Charley has been competing for Canberra United in the W-League in Australia. The forward also plays for the Portland Thorns in the National Women’s Soccer League.
In 11 games with Canberra, Charley has scored five times and registered an assist. She made 11 appearances and started six times in 2019 for the Thorns and tallied two assists.
A Hoover, Alabama, product, Charley played in 19 games for Vanderbilt as a senior in 2017. Three times she was named all-conference was an All-SEC Freshmen Team selection in 2013.
Charley took some time to answer some questions on her life as a professional:
HOW DID PLAYING AT VANDERBILT PREPARE YOU FOR LIFE IN THE PROS?
“At Vandy, we spent a lot of time talking about core values — with work ethic in particular being one that was instilled in me during my time there. At the pro level, nothing is given to you – you have to work for everything you want to achieve. In essence, you have to work hard to make things look effortless.
“I often joke with (Vanderbilt head coach) Darren (Ambrose) about a book he made us read called, ‘Who Moved My Cheese.’ The book talks about our goals and how they often change as we accomplish more and how to adjust to that change. With the the many ups and downs that happen in the pros, I often find myself drawing on the many books that we read and discussions that we had as a team at Vandy. I think the character development side of Vandy women’s soccer has been paramount to my preparation for playing in the NWSL.”
WHAT HAS THE ADJUSTMENT BEEN LIKE COMPETING AT THE PROFESSIONAL LEVEL?
“It was definitely tough at first. Vanderbilt felt like home for me, so leaving and starting over was definitely a challenge. Naturally, the level of play is higher than that of college, so that was challenging as well. Developing friendships with my teammates and finding a life outside of soccer has definitely helped me get used to life in Portland.
“Outside of training and traveling for games, my schedule is relatively relaxed, so I have had to learn to be disciplined with my time. Professional sports are more of a business than college sports, so that was something that I had to adjust to as well.”
FROM NASHVILLE TO PORTLAND TO AUSTRALIA AND ALL PLACES IN BETWEEN, HOW MUCH OF A WHIRLWIND HAS LIFE BEEN IN RECENT MONTHS?
“Very much a whirlwind! Life can feel a bit nomadic at times … but in a good way! I have enjoyed being able to travel the country and the world playing my favorite sport.
“It was a very quick turnaround from the Portland season to Australia — I had about a week off before I made my way to Canberra. The W-League season kicked off shortly upon my arrival, so I had to start playing almost right away. I have really enjoyed being able to explore different regions of Australia throughout my time here. I have been able to see many landmarks, like the Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, as well as scuba dive and snorkel the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns. I have now been in Australia for about four months and will be heading back to the U.S. very soon. My time here has flown by!”
WHAT WAS IT LIKE BEING ABLE TO SUPPORT AND CHEER FOR FELLOW COMMODORE ASTRA SHARMA AT THE RECENT AUSTRALIAN OPEN?
“It was amazing! It was definitely one of the highlights of my time in Australia. It was awesome being able to reconnect with Astra — but this time on her home turf. I used to come to tennis matches while at Vandy, so it was cool being able to cheer her on in the big leagues. That was my first time at a pro tennis match as well, so I enjoyed being able to experience the professional tennis atmosphere.
“Earlier in the season I had a game in Perth where she was able to come out and watch one of my matches. It’s been fun being able to keep up with her as she continues to succeed on the big stage. As always, Dores support Dores!”
HOW WILL YOUR TIME IN AUSTRALIA BENEFIT YOU IN PORTLAND?
“I enjoyed being able to get more games under my belt and experience a different playing and coaching style. I definitely think that that is something that will benefit me as I go back to Portland because I was able to develop both technically and tactically. I am looking forward to being back in the U.S. and being able to play in front of the amazing fans in Portland!”
WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO SEE THE GROWING INTEREST IN WOMEN’S SOCCER?
“It has been amazing seeing the growth of the sport in such a short period of time. Through the recent success of the USWNT at the World Cup, the NWSL has been able to take many much needed steps forward to ensure that clubs are being held to high standards and that players are being treated the way that they should be. It has been amazing to watch and be apart of the growth of women’s soccer and I am excited to see it continue to grow and develop!”
