Inside Matchweek with Nia Hislop
INSIDE MATCHWEEK: NIA HISLOP READY TO CARVE HER OWN PATH IN RED, WHITE AND BLACK
At just days away from a crucial Concacaf Women’s Qualifier, there is a quiet confidence about first-time call-up Nia Hislop.
Seated at the Radisson Hotel in Port of Spain on Monday, the young forward spoke with a mix of excitement, humility and determination—ready to embrace her opportunity with the Trinidad and Tobago Women’s National Team.
Yes, the surname is familiar.
Daughter of former Trinidad and Tobago and Newcastle United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop, Nia carries a legacy—but she is equally focused on building her own.
“I’ve just been trying to make my family proud, make the team proud, the coaches proud… but also make myself proud,” she said. “This is something I’ve dreamed of since I was really young. It’s been amazing so far.”
A FORWARD WITH INSTINCT AND INFLUENCE
A forward by trade, Hislop brings pace, skill and a natural eye for goal—but behind her attacking instincts is a unique influence: a goalkeeper’s perspective.
Growing up, she often leaned on her father’s experience between the posts to sharpen her finishing.
“He’s seeing a different perspective than I’m seeing,” she explained. “He always gives me advice on what he didn’t like to see as a goalkeeper, what was tricky for him. I try it out, and honestly, it usually works.”
And yes, there have been a few victories over her father along the way.
“We used to take penalties on him all the time,” she laughed. “I think we scored on him… he might tell you a different story though.”
A MOMENT TO REMEMBER
The call-up to represent Trinidad and Tobago is one she will never forget.
“It was surreal,” Hislop recalled. “I was with my team back in the States, and I was so excited. Seeing how excited they were for me meant so much.”
The celebration quickly became a family moment.
“My parents called me first—it was a joint call. My mom was screaming, my dad was screaming, I was screaming… it was amazing.”
SETTLING INTO THE WARRIORS FAMILY
Despite it being her first camp, Hislop has quickly found her footing within the squad.
“I’ve only been here a few days, but I’ve gotten really close with some of the girls,” she said. “They’ve been my support system, especially when things come up or I’m unsure. That’s been really important for me.”
That sense of togetherness could prove key as the team continues to build chemistry heading into Friday’s encounter with El Salvador.
For Hislop, motivation runs deeper than just performance—it is rooted in identity and purpose.
“Making everyone proud, but especially making myself proud,” she said. “Thinking back to me as a little girl and making her proud… I think that really pushes me.”
Off the field, she credits her competitive upbringing for shaping her mentality. One of five siblings—including three older sisters and a younger brother—competition was never far away.
“We were always on the turf, doing one-on-ones, shooting, pushing each other,” she shared. “They’re honest with me, and they always want what’s best for me. That helped a lot.”
Like many young forwards, Hislop looks up to players who embody confidence and creativity in attack. For her, Trinity Rodman stands out.
“She can do it all—she’s quick, technical, takes players on, and isn’t afraid,” Hislop said. “When I watch her, I think, ‘I can do that too.”
A MESSAGE TO THE NATION
As Trinidad and Tobago prepares for a defining moment in their qualification journey,
Hislop had a clear message for the fans:
“Get pumped up—we need you guys on Friday. I can’t wait to see you there.”
With her first call-up now a reality and a nation behind her, Nia Hislop steps into this moment not just as the daughter of a legend—but as a Woman Warrior ready to write her own story.
