Filipinas' Dominique Randle on her difficult football comeback and upcoming SEA Games campaign

There were many factors for the Philippine national women’s football team’s successful campaign in the 2022 Asian Cup, which led to their qualification to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Ample preparation time, an experienced coach, good tactics and game management, and a solid defense were but a few of the reasons for the Filipinas’ historic campaign in India.

And at the heart of the Philippines' resolute backline alongside captain Hali Long is defensive stalwart Dominique Randle.

Born in Seattle, Washington to a Filipino mother, 27-year-old Dom is just one of the standout performers for the Filipinas.

But, unbeknownst to many, before the Asian Cup she was already out of the game and, according to her: “Sitting at home trying to figure out what makes (one) truly happy.”

Back in 2018, Randle had finished her collegiate career and was looking for an opportunity to turn pro, but encountered setbacks that resulted in her looking a different direction.

“I kind of gave up due to the challenges with women's professional sports (i.e., lack of teams, little pay, being away from home) and invested in my career in education.”

“I enjoyed working with my students, but I knew that I wasn't happy. I was the unhealthiest physically, mentally, and emotionally than I ever was before in my life.”

But, as someone who had been playing football since the age of 3, Randle knew deep inside that there was a part of her that always wanted to return to the game.

The standstill that COVID-19 brought to the world provided a time for reflection for Dom, and after some soul-searching, she realized life was too short to take things for granted.

With the support of her husband, Da’ John Harris, a former professional football player himself, and Randle’s WPSL coach Dido Tshimanga, Dom quit both of her jobs and embarked on an intense training program to try to make the Filipinas roster under new coach Alen Stajcic.

“I would wake up at 5:30am to run hill sprints 3-4x a week. My strength coach from USC created a 3-month strength training program. I practiced at USC 2-3x a week and with my WPSL coach 2-3x a week.”

And after what she called ‘months of reflection, training and sacrifices', Randle made it to the Philippine Women’s National Football Team as the starting centerback, and the rest is history.

“I've overcome four knee surgeries before, but this was the hardest comeback I've ever done,” she shared.

“When I learned that I made the roster for Asian Cup, I sat in my car for 30 minutes after training and soaked in all of my emotions. I just couldn't believe that I did it.”

Randle’s partnership with Long has been the cornerstone of the Filipinas campaign in the Asian Games, and will be crucial in the Filipinas’ medal aspirations.

Dom speaks about how the veteran helped her integrate quickly to the team.

“From the first day I joined camp in California, Hali welcomed me in... She taught me about the history of the team and the culture which makes me even more passionate and grateful to be a part of this team,” Randle said

“We respect each other and we always have each other's back. We got to continue growing our partnership because Hali and I were roommates during this camp,” she added.

“I think I have the strongest connection with Hali than any other center-back that I've played with. We've only been playing together for like 6-7 months, but she has my absolute trust on and off the field.”

The Filipinas spent more than a month in camp in Australia preparing for the SEA Games with a series of friendly matches, and Randle is appreciative of this opportunity.

“Some federations only get a few days or weeks to come together, so it's amazing to have support from PFF, our team manager, Jefferson Cheng, and our entire staff. “

“We are grateful to have a month-long camp before going into a major tournament. We focused a lot on developing our own identity on the pitch.”

“In India, we showed that we were capable of being competitive with top teams for periods of time. With this camp, we focused on our team chemistry and dynamic so that we can be even better in possession.”

“We were able to build stronger relationships with each other on and off the field which is going to be crucial for SEA Games and beyond.”

What are her expectations for the SEA Games?

“We have very high expectations for ourselves for the SEA Games. Our goal is to medal at the SEA Games and make it to the finals,” she shared.

“After qualifying for the World Cup, as a team, we decided that just making it isn't enough. We want to be competitors on the world stage, so that starts with this tournament.”

The team is out to prove that their success in the Asian Cup is something they can build on.

“Our success wasn't just a one-time occurrence; we are only going to get better… We play Philippines football for 90 minutes, one game at a time. If we can apply all of our training into each match in the Vietnam SEA Games, then I know we can exceed our expectations,” Randle said.

“I'm excited to continue this journey and to grow even more as we prepare for the World Cup,” she adds.

“This group is so special and I know we will shock the world one game at a time.”

The Filipinas open their SEA Games campaign on May 9 against Cambodia, before concluding the group stages against hosts Vietnam on May 11 in Cam Pha, Quang Ninh, Vietnam.

—JMB, GMA News