Haitian women’s national team aims to “keep shocking the world” at first World Cup
The Haitian women’s national soccer team is preparing for its first Women’s World Cup appearance this summer, and to celebrate the historic achievement, a FIFA delegation traveled to Port-au-Prince with the World Cup trophy over the weekend.
It is customary for the trophy to travel to all 32 participating countries as part of the tournament buildup. Typically, there are public viewing events and large media gatherings. The Saturday visit to Haiti’s capital Port-Au-Prince was quick and private due to security concerns.
The trophy and soccer dignitaries had a police escort to and from the airport, and the ceremony involved just a handful of Haitian authorities, including the women’s soccer federation president Monique Andre and goalkeeper Kerly Theus, who plays professionally for FC Miami City.
Most of the players were not there as they are in-season in the French league, and four players, including Fort Lauderdale native Milan Pierre-Jerome, play in college.
Pierre-Jerome, a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas High and junior defender at George Mason University, was overwhelmed with emotion on Feb. 22, when Haiti’s team, nicknamed “Les Grenadiers”, qualified for the 2023 World Cup by beating Chile 2-1 in New Zealand. They will face England, China and Denmark in the group stage of the tournament, which kicks off July 20 in Australia and New Zealand.
“I am so emotional because being able to see what we were able to do in the span of a year is incredible,” Pierre-Jerome said by phone on Monday. “To see us go through adversity and being able to put a smile on our country’s face and every little Haitian girl who looks up to us is really special.”
Despite the country still dealing with aftereffects of the 2010 earthquake, heightened crime, and, most recently the president’s assassination, the Haitian women’s team was able to overcome immeasurable obstacles to reach the sport’s biggest stage.
The team was forced to move its training camps and home games to Dominican Republic for safety reasons and won its historic match just one week after a court overturned a lifetime ban against former Haitian soccer federation president Yves Jean-Bart over allegations that he sexually abused female players, including minors. FIFA has since appealed the decision.
“We just put our head down and worked and tried not to worry about all the outside factors,” Pierre-Jerome said. “Yes, it’s been more difficult for us compared to teams in other countries, but knowing that no matter the circumstances, no matter what challenges we face we still have 11 players on the field, one soccer ball and we all play with cleats. That’s what held us together.”
Théus said at the event on Saturday: “I have no words to express how happy I am. It is a big thing that we achieved, and we plan to move forward.”
Although Pierre-Jerome was born and raised in the United States, she feels a deep connection with her Haitian roots. Her grandfather was born in Haiti and instilled in her a love for that country. Her father, Reginald, was a goalkeeper and played professionally in the United States, including for the MLS team Miami Fusion. He also played for the Haitian national team and became a respected coach in South Florida. Milan said from her earliest days as a soccer player it was her dream to represent Haiti.
She joined the Haitian junior national team at age 14.
“Every time we step on the field, it’s not just about us, it’s about representing all the people struggling in Haiti,” she said. “We don’t take that responsibility lightly. Every time we go in for a tackle, or pass or shoot, we give it our all because being able to make our country smile is all we want. I also want to continue what my Dad did also show that same love my grandfather had for Haiti.”
The Haitian team will gather in June for a pre-World Cup camp and then head to Australia.
Rising international star Melchie “Corventina” Dumornay scored both goals for 55th-ranked Haiti and will be a player to watch at the World Cup. The 19-year-old plays professionally for seven-time Champions League winners Olympique Lyon in the French league.
“We have established ourselves in FIFA and continue to surprise all, so we want to keep shocking the world,” Pierre-Jerome said. “We know we can compete against anyone, and we are not just happy to be there. We want to make more news.”
