To say Trudi Carter has endured turbulent times would be an understatement.
From battling injuries to adapting to different football cultures, the Reggae Girlz striker has faced her fair share of setbacks. But through it all, she has remained humble, grateful, and, most importantly, focused on her objectives.
Now, after nearly a year away from international duty, Carter is back in the Reggae Girlz setup for the upcoming friendlies against Mexico on April 5 and 8, and for her this return is a reminder of the resilience and determination that have defined her career.
"I am grateful to be back in the camp and around the team again,” Carter, whose last camp was in Brazil last June, told SportsMax.Tv from her base in Spain.
"It’s been a long time since I last played for my country, and I missed wearing the national colours. This is a big opportunity for me to show what I can contribute to the team, especially against a strong opponent like Mexico,” the 2019 and 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup player added.
Trudi Carter with the Reggae Girlz at the 2023 Women's World Cup.
Carter’s absence from the national team stemmed from a series of frustrating injuries, the latest being a soleus tear that kept her sidelined for three months. Of course, the road to recovery was anything but smooth.
“The injury was very bad. There were times when I felt no pain, and I would think I was ready to run, but then the pain would come back. That was the most frustrating part—feeling like I was improving and then having a setback. It really tested my patience and mental strength,” she admitted.
As a player who thrives on speed and agility, the injury forced Carter to reevaluate her approach to fitness and recovery.
“I had to learn to listen to my body more and not rush the process. Sometimes, as athletes, we want to push through pain, but this time I had to be smart about it,” Carter shared.
Trudi Carter in action for Liga F outfit RCD Espanyol.
Before her return to Spain, where she currently represents Liga F outfit RCD Espanyol, Carter spent nine months with Mexican club Atlético de San Luis Femenil. While she managed to score five goals in 17 appearances, her stint in Mexico was often frustrating as her team struggled to maintain possession and create chances.
“It was a difficult period. As a forward, you rely on service from your teammates, but there were many games where I barely saw the ball. It wasn’t easy, but I tried to stay focused and make the most of the opportunities I did get,” she recalled.
However, Carter is regaining her rhythm in one of Europe’s top women’s leagues as she recently found the net in a thrilling 3-3 draw against Madrid CFF, a goal that symbolizes her return to form.
“The first couple of months in Spain were difficult for me. Between dealing with injuries, trying to stay healthy, and working hard to get playing time, it wasn’t easy. But this has been a really good month for me, and I hope to continue this form until the end of the season,” she declared.
“The league here is very technical, and you have to be smart with your movement. I’ve been working on improving my decision-making and composure in front of goal, and I feel like I’m growing as a player with every game,” Carter noted.
An emotional Trudi Carter gives thanks.
During her time away, Carter watched the Reggae Girlz undergo significant changes, with head coach Hubert Busby committing to gifting as many players in the pool opportunities to stake a claim.
Carter sees this influx of talent as a positive step, as the increased competition for spots can only benefit the programme.
“It’s always good to have new players on the team. Every player brings a different style of play, and that’s beneficial for what we want to achieve in the next World Cup. So you have to work even harder now because nothing is guaranteed, but that’s how it should be in football. Competition pushes everyone to be better,” she reasoned.
That said, the 30-year-old, now back to full fitness, is eager to make up for lost time, especially with Women’s World Cup qualifiers, the Concacaf Women’s Nations League, and another potential World Cup appearance on the horizon.
“I’m ready like never before. Playing against these competitive teams will only help us prepare for our next major tournament. Every game is a chance to improve and build chemistry as a team,” Carter stated.
Truid Carter greets Brazil legend Marta after their World Cup game.
“Going up against Mexico will be a lot more fun and less nerve-wracking this time around, as I’ve played against many of the girls on their team, so I have an idea of their style of play. It should be an exciting game. The last time we faced Mexico, it was a tough battle, and I expect nothing less this time,” she added.
As for her personal goals, Carter remains laser-focused on two key objectives.
“My goal is to help my club team stay in the first division and to help Jamaica qualify for another major tournament. I know what it takes to reach that level, and I want to play my part in making it happen. Football has given me so much, and I just want to keep working hard, enjoying the game, and representing my country with pride,” she ended.