Hailing from Glasgow, Scotland, junior Carla Jackson has made a very strong impact on and off the pitch for Central Connecticut’s women’s soccer team.

Prior to becoming a Blue Devil, Jackson played for the pride of Glasgow, Celtic FC Ladies under manager David Haley. There, she reeled in awards, helping to lead the club to a Scottish Cup and a League Cup, while also being named Player of the Year and Player’s Player of the Year.

“Obviously I was young, but it was probably my favorite time in my soccer career, it was a lot of fun,” Jackson said, reminiscing on her time with the club.

Transitioning to American soccer, Jackson stated that the way the game is played is very different, as well as the environment, but that she met a lot of amazing people at Central who have made the game enjoyable.

Proving she was able to adapt well, Jackson started her freshman year off as she did for Celtic, reeling in awards. She was honored with Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year, All-NEC First Team, NEC Rookie of the Week three times and finished second in the league for points (11) and goals (five), both of which happened to be a team high for the Blue Devils.

“It was a surprise because coming in as a freshman, you’re nervous and you look up to the older ones and I didn’t know what to expect but it was a good year, the team did well so big credit to them,” Jackson said of her first year at Central.

Unfortunately, after such a strong season, Jackson’s sophomore year took a sharp turn when she came up with an injury that cut her season short after just nine games.

“I’ve had problems with my knee for the last couple of years and that came about again, but I worked hard in the last year which helped me play this season and for next season as well,” Jackson said of her injury.

Jackson’s hard work has certainly paid off as she has been a solid player this season, netting two goals and bagging four assists (tied team-high alongside freshman Roma McLaughlin).

Jackson carries a very positive and grateful attitude stating, “It’s good to be back playing again and I’m happy to be out there so anything’s a bonus.”

On the topic of the team’s chances moving forward, Jackson revealed a civil humility.

“Obviously this year we’re doing well, we’re now 4-0 [NEC record] and it’s exciting. It’s not really about me it’s about the team so if I’m playing well then hopefully that will help the team out.”

Jackson has the ability to influence the team on and off the pitch and she is highly valued by her coach and teammates.

Head coach Mick D’Arcy had high praise for Jackson.

“Carla’s just a wonderful player and a wonderful person. She makes the people around her better, she does little things that help bring out the best. She’s got wonderful feet, she’s got the ability to score goals and does a lot for the team on and off the field so we’re really happy to have her,” D’Arcy said.

Jackson hopes to finish out the season strong and to help lead the Blue Devils to the NEC title, whether she bangs in shots like her previous goal, an “arguable goal of the year,” according to Coach D’Arcy, or lifts her team’s spirits throughout their outstanding campaign.