Canberra United's Jessika Nash balances school and W-League in Matildas bid

The Canberra United defender has started Year 11 and does five hours of school work after training each weekday, with Nash continuing her studies through distance education.

But the 16-year-old from Blacktown is no stranger to the workload, having played with the Junior Matildas for three years.

She's brought that relentless drive to her first season in Canberra, proving herself as a key part of Vicki Linton's backline.

Nash has started all six matches for Canberra this season and made her W-League debut in round one, saying she's building confidence with each appearance.

"At first I thought it was a massive leap to take as a 16-year-old but having the girls around me and Vicki start me really boost my confidence, and I think I've grown as an individual every week," Nash said.

"My confidence, I cannot tell you how much it has grown from that Adelaide game.

"I feel like I want to get on the ball and be involved in the game, instead of shying off. I'm now communicating with everyone and I feel I'm really asserting my dominance on the field."

Her ability has left a lasting impression on the likes of Michelle Heyman, who described her as "something special for the W-League and hopefully for the Matildas."

Nash is taking the compliments in her stride and letting her football do the talking, with Australian team next on her agenda.

With the 2023 World Cup on the horizon, Nash hopes to join Tony Gustavsson's squad for the Tokyo Olympics to gain experience at the highest level.

"I'm definitely aspiring to be part of that 2023 World Cup squad on home soil because it would be a dream come true," Nash said.

"But I feel like it might be a bit of a push because of the age gap. But with the Olympics, if that happens this year, maybe I can start to push to get into some of the squads or camps - that would be a dream as well.

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"If the Covid vaccine comes in, hopefully we can get some Young Matildas camps going on. I'd like to be part of that too."

The Matildas staff is watching the W-League closely and Gustavsson has already declared there's a blank slate for selection.

Nash will have another chance to impress national selectors on Sunday, having been named in Linton's squad for the round-eight clash against Adelaide at Marden Sports Complex.

Goalkeeper Sally James has returned to the fray after missing three matches due to a finger injury, while Clare Hunt has also been included for the first time this season.

W-League round eight

Sunday: Adelaide United v Canberra United at Marden Sports Complex, 6.05pm

Canberra United squad: 1. Keeley Richards, 2. Emma Ilijoski, 3. Clare Hunt, 4. Kendall Fletcher (C), 5. Lauren Keir, 6. Bianca Galic, 8. Laura Hughes, 9. Demi Koulizakis, 10. Grace Maher, 12. Hayley Taylor-Young, 13. Paige Satchell, 15. Jessika Nash, 18. Izzy Foletta, 19. Nicki Flannery, 22. Sally James, 23. Michelle Heyman. *two to be omitted

Adelaide United squad: 2. Emily Hodgson, 3. Matilda McNamara, 4. Mallory Weber, 5. Charlotte Grant, 6.Georgia Campagnale, 7. Mara Jose Rojas, 8. Emily Condon, 10. Chelsie Dawber, 12. Isabel Hodgson, 13. Ella Tonkin, 15. Meleri Mullan, 16. Dylan Holmes (C), 17. Khalia Hogg, 18. Annalee Grove, 19. Maruschka Waldus, 21. Lara Kirkby, 22. Inana Toovey, 23. Fiona Worts. *two to be omitted