SASHANA Campbell has faced some tough opponents over the years, particularly at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, and the experiences of those engagements have not been lost on her.

So though she might be at the back end of her career, the Reggae Girlz defender believes there is still enough in the tank to challenge any calibre of players or teams that come her way.

Simply put, Campbell, 31, is hoping for one more flourish on the big stage to possibly sign off her international career as she continues to harbour thoughts of making Lorne Donaldson’s final squad to the global showpiece in Australia and New Zealand this summer.

Besides the 2019 World Cup appearance Campbell, who turns 32 on March 2, also won an NCAA (National Collegiate Athletic Association) title with the University of West Florida, and also featured in the National Under-20 team at numerous Concacaf competitions along the way.

Though it might not seem like much, for her it was a long and fairly fruitful career spanning over eight years, and a second-consecutive World Cup appearance with the Reggae Girlz would certainly be the perfect way to bring the curtain down on that journey.

“I don’t think I have achieved all of what I aspired to in my playing career, however, I am grateful for what I have accomplished to date and all the experiences I’ve had along the way,” Campbell told the Jamaica Observer from her base in Poland where she represents Medyk Konin.

“I don’t know what the future holds in terms of making the World Cup squad but I just want to stay fit and healthy to take advantage of all the opportunities that come my way. For sure, making the World Cup squad a second time around would be more than great for me as this would be my final World Cup shot and would be a great way to possibly hang up my cleats,” she added.

Campbell’s tone is one of a player enjoying a resurgence of form after she endured a pretty torrid period with injury midyear last year and had to watch from the stands in Mexico as the Girlz secured qualification.

Prior to that she produced some fairly decent showings, holding down the left back position in the Girlz’ 4-0, 6-1, 9-0 and 5-1 victories over Bermuda, Grenada, Cayman Islands and Dominican Republic, in that order.

“Just as it was time to prepare for the final part of World Cup qualifiers I started the first part of camp real good and then came another injury at the worst-possible time. I suffered calf and Achilles [injuries] which sidelined me for the remainder of the qualifiers and also for the first part or my club season. So, basically, I ended the year being injured and stressed — not knowing if I will be able to get back to playing or even get a shot at going to the World Cup,” she explained, adding that she had to draw on her faith to overcome those challenges.

“So it was tough but it showed me that as long as I believe in myself and work at whatever I want, once it is for me then God will always come through. Though tested, I had faith that He would be on time so I have made the most of the lessons — but it is still a work in progress,” Campbell admitted.

It is with that in mind that the versatlie player, more popularly known as Pete, is cognisant that her unwavering work ethic and determination, whether in attack or defence, will have to consistently come to the fore — if and when called upon — given the magnitude of the battle for positions in the World Cup squad. That Donaldson and his assistants are also intent on giving youthful players a fair shot at making the team, coupled with the fact that she is getting on in age, are added reasons Campbell has to completely outdo her younger peers for a spot in the team.

The Girlz are down to contest Group F at the July 20 to August 20 World Cup alongside France and Brazil, with their third opponent to come from next month’s intercontinental play-offs.

“After my much-needed winter break I am more than ready and excited to take on the 2023 season. My only worry is picking up another injury and so I am trying hard to avoid that. I believe as long as I stay healthy and keep improving on my fitness then this year will probably be one of my best years yet,” she declared.

“The only thing I plan on doing different this year is to stay positive as much as possible, put in the extra work to remain both mentally and physically healthy, and just keep believing in myself and my abilities. Everything else will work itself out,” Campbell ended.