Researcher Alozie manages commitments with club, national squad, and studies
Michelle Alozie, a Nigerian-American footballer, has made headlines for her exceptional dual career as a pediatric cancer researcher at Texas Children's Hospital and a player for the Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL).
In a remarkable turn of events, Alozie helped Nigeria defeat hosts Morocco 3-2 to win the title in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations this summer. Her long-range goal in the tournament against South Africa during stoppage-time, a decisive 2-1 victory, secured Nigeria's place in the championship match.
Alozie's journey in soccer has been far from conventional. Before the NWSL’s first collective bargaining agreement in 2022, she was uncertain about earning a livable wage solely from soccer. To ensure career stability outside sports, she maintained a strong connection to her medical background. Her academic background includes a bachelor’s degree in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology from Yale and a master’s in sports psychology and motor behavior from the University of Tennessee.
Alozie's dedication to both science and sport is evident in her balanced approach to managing her time. She works as a cancer research technician typically at night and between soccer matches and practices. Her days are spent training and playing soccer with the Houston Dash, and she heads to the hospital after practice to contribute to pediatric cancer research.
Her supervisor, Alexandra Stevens, did not know Alozie was a professional athlete when she applied for a job at the hospital. However, the hospital has been supportive of her unique dual professional pursuits, allowing her to work several days a week while continuing her professional athletic career.
The Houston Dash, currently in a rebuilding phase after finishing at the bottom of the NWSL last year, are focused on building their overall identity. Alozie is focused on the second half of the season, with the playoff push still a goal.
Alozie's soccer career has taken her to international stages as well. She played for Nigeria at the Paris Olympics last year, adding Olympian to her collection of honors. During the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, Nigeria advanced to the round-of-16 but fell on penalties to England after a hard-fought scoreless draw. Alozie played under Waldrum in the tournament.
In the midst of her busy schedule, Alozie has faced challenges, such as during a match where England's Lauren James stepped on her, drawing a red card. Despite these obstacles, Alozie continues to excel in both her research and soccer careers, serving as an inspiration to many.
Michelle Alozie's soccer career extends beyond her role with the Houston Dash in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL). Last summer, she helped Nigeria win the Women's Africa Cup of Nations by scoring a long-range goal against South Africa during stoppage-time, securing their spot in the championship match. Furthermore, Alozie has represented Nigeria at international stages, such as the Paris Olympics and the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup.
