We travelled to Liverpool to sit down with FA Cup Baller of the Round, Olivia Smith. The 20-year-old Canadian has been instrumental to The Reds in her first season with the club scoring six goals in 15 games. But Smith was on fire in the Adobe Women’s FA Cup Quarter-Final, helping Liverpool secure a 1-0 win against Arsenal, taking them into the Semi-Final for the first time since 2016-17.

Liverpool take on Chelsea in the Semi-Final on 12th April!

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SAB: When the Quarter-Final game was finally over, what emotions did you feel?  

Olivia Smith: I felt an overwhelming feeling of excitement. It was a massive game for us to win and I feel like we had an amazing performance as a team. 

SAB: What was going through your head when you beat Arsenal at their home ground in the Quarter Finals? 

Olivia: I had a lot of thoughts running through my head, but mainly just we did it and I’m just so proud of the group. I’m very excited to move on to the next round. 

SAB: How does it feel having Liverpool through to the Semi-Finals? 

Olivia: It’s just a massive accomplishment for us as a team. We were ready for this competition and we have all the tools to win! 

SAB: What does playing in the FA Cup mean to you? 

Olivia: Playing in the FA Cup honestly means a lot to me and my teammates. My family watch me back home and it’s just a massive and competitive tournament! 

SAB: What was your favourite moment from the game? 

Olivia: It was when Soph (Roman Haug) scored. I just feel like it was just a massive feeling of relief for me personally for sure, but also for us as a team – to get that goal and to be up one nil. 

SAB: How do you stay composed in big games? 

Olivia: I get really excited. I don’t necessarily feel much pressure, but more of this is my opportunity to have freedom and just to be who I am. 

SAB: Do you have any tips to young players for dealing with nerves? 

Olivia: To remind yourself of what your individual qualities are and what you bring and just being confident in that and believing in yourself. 

SAB: How does it feel knowing you’ll face Chelsea in the Semi-Finals? 

Olivia: To face Chelsea in the semi-finals. I’m really excited. We’ve played them in the league and we performed really well and now that we have different resources, we have a competitive squad and training’s going well. I think we have a really good chance at winning. 

SAB: What is your favourite thing about being a footballer? 

Olivia: The freedom to express myself. 

SAB: What is your favourite footballing memory? 

Olivia: My favourite footballing memory would have to be getting called into the World Cup team in Australia. 

SAB: What is the hardest thing about being a footballer that people on the outside don’t see? 

Olivia: The mentality. I know a lot of people kind of look at the physical piece and just running 90 minutes for weeks at a time but there’s definitely a mental toll that it takes on you depending on obviously your environment and different things going on and trying to manage that with personal issues as well.  

SAB: If you could change one thing about the women’s game, what would it be and why? 

Olivia: I think it would be our exposure. We definitely deserve a lot more than what we get and we’re more deserving of more fans, more media presence, more of everything! 

SAB: How does it feel to be Baller of the Round?

Olivia: To be Baller of the Round is honestly just an honour. I feel like I’ve worked very hard and I’m just super grateful to receive this award. 

SAB: How far do you think Liverpool can go this season? 

Olivia: I think Liverpool can go as far as we want. I think us finishing top five will definitely be on our books!