New Queen of the Castle

Coyle scores on league debut

Studying, moving over from America, adapting to a new style of play, avoiding moving traffic. Hibernian’s Alexa Coyle has taken (almost) all of it in her stride.

Words by Cameron Wanstall

Certain things change when you cross the Atlantic Ocean. The imperial system becomes the metric system, soccer becomes football, and vehicles drive on the left-hand side of the road. Alexa Coyle found out about the last distinction the hard way.

“On my first day here, I almost got hit walking across the street! But I look the other way now.”

A dominating forward with a fortunate knack for finding the back of the net, Coyle has taken to the Scottish capital like a duck takes to water (excluding the initial hiccup of nearly being knocked down in the street). The summer influx of American stars at Hibs - with goalkeeper Gabby English and midfielder Toni Malone also making the Transatlantic trip - is appreciated by the newcomer.

“It’s been great to have other American teammates, just in terms of that relatability and coming from the same culture. The girls and coaching staff are great at Hibs. That’s been a really helpful aspect as well that has made adjusting to this culture pretty seamless.”

After four years of playing university football for the Montana Grizzlies, Coyle knew she was ready for the next step in her career.

That next step has taken her a hefty 4,200 miles away from home and into the effervescent world of Scottish football. Her studies continue for now, however. Living on a different continent while being a professional athlete and a student may take its toll on some, but not Coyle.

“Playing football and going to school all through my four years of university really prepared me for this,” she states proudly, before continuing, “University in the States has prepared me for life in general. That skill of balancing sport and other responsibilities is because of that.”

Despite the demands of sport and study, Coyle has still made time to tour her new city and, though yearning for the summer sun to return, is eager to rattle off a list of spots she’s visited already.

Arthur’s Seat, Holyrood Palace, and both Cramond and Portobello beaches are all excitedly mentioned, but the biggest thrill she experienced was seeing Edinburgh Castle - the very same landmark that is emblazoned across Hibernian’s iconic crest.

A debut goal against Kilmarnock in the SWPL Cup, secured by Coyle bravely stepping up to the penalty spot with the score still level, was then followed by four goals pocketed in the annihilations of both Dundee United and Stirling University to round out the group stage.

“I always have a similar mindset of I

Head in the game Celebrating an Edinburgh Derby opener

had to come in and work as hard as I could. That is how you ultimately gain the respect of your teammates. I came in and tried to work hard, learn, and continue to integrate into the team.”

Netting just five minutes into the Scottish Women’s Premier League 1 opener versus Spartans to get the Hibees’ league campaign underway immediately caught the attention of supporters. This American import just kept scoring goals. There was no settling in period, or adjusting to a new country, just six goals in four games.

Coyle has already spoken proudly of the support for the women’s game around the world, particularly in her temporary home of Scotland, calling the passion of fans here “unique.” The most evident showing of pride from the forward comes as we discuss a certain Wednesday evening in late September.

“It was incredible for me. I’ve played in some high stakes games in my collegiate career, but I’ve never played in a crowd of that size. I think the magnitude of the moment was just so impactful for the women’s game here. I felt that sense of pride, even though I’m new to the club because of how big a deal this was for Scottish women’s football.”

The monumental night in question was derby day. Hibernian hosted city rivals Heart of Midlothian at Easter Road - the first ever women’s Edinburgh Derby at the ground - and shattered the Scottish women’s club football attendance record. 5,512 spectators were in attendance to witness Coyle open the scoring. She made it look so easy. A difficult header, made possible by her perfect positioning and footballing intelligence, seemed effortless when carried out by the hero of the moment.

“I think scoring that goal, not only

against our rivals, but just with the magnitude of the event, was really, really special. The win, and the whole event in general, made that night particularly special.” Coyle has been nothing short of cheerful and vibrant for our entire conversation. At this moment in “I think the particular, she’s at her most joyful. A beaming smile has broken her response, before continuing, “But yes, magnitude of it definitely was an exciting goal to score. To hear the roar of the crowd the moment and, just all night, it was really an inspiring atmosphere to play in.” was just so The wide smile that has stuck with Coyle throughout our chat withers for impactful for just a moment when asked about her future. It soon returns when she takes the women’s a moment to think about what comes next. “I don’t really have a specific vision. game here.” That could be here in Scotland, a different country in the UK, or Europe, or back home, but all I can say is I’ve been loving my time here with the Hibs.” “The present takes care of the future” according to Coyle. That’s her mindset and she won’t change it. There are studies to be finished and plenty of goals to be scored. The rest of the journey can wait for now.