South African footballer Rebecca Joy Adams has explained her decision to return back to North America, joining Herkimer College Women’s Soccer team in New York.
Adams, who holds the distinction of being the first South African female footballer to play professionally in Brazil, returns to the United States where her overseas journey originally began. Herkimer College competes in the National Junior College Athletic Association [NJCAA] Region 3 division.
The 26-year-old attacker has put pen to paper on a three-year contract with Herkimer College, with an option to extend for a further season.
Before this latest move, the Cape Town-born footballer had a stint with Namibian side Windhoek City FC, joining them in May 2024. During her time in Namibia, ‘Becca’ helped the club secure an eighth-place finish, accumulating 24 points from 22 league appearances.
She returned to South Africa early last year after parting ways with Windhoek City. Facing a period without a club, Adams took a decision to switch sporting code to rugby to maintain her fitness.
Prior to her first venture abroad, Adams represented Vasco da Gama in South Africa before making her initial move to the USA to play college football for Northeast Texas Community College. Her performances in Texas subsequently earned her a historic move to Brazilian club São Bernardo.
REBECCA JOY ADAMS OPENS UPS ON HER RETURN TO THE USA
Speaking in an exclusive interview with FARPost, Adams reflected on her journey back to American soccer.
“I knew that football was my passion and that my career had not been straightforward at times. You know, one needs to be determined in what you do, even if things don’t go according to plan,” Adams told FARPost.
“Rugby helped me become a better soccer player, and now I’m ready for the opportunity at hand. I worked and trained for one year, and I recognised the possibilities. I kept working hard and being consistent on the field and in the gym. Sooner or later, the opportunity had to come.
“I think it is a good move to keep building and fighting for what you want to achieve in this life.”
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