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What sports have you played in the past and for how long?
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Rugby Union 15s at premiership level
Netball – 10 years
Shot Putt – 3 years |
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Have you received any awards or honors for playing sports?
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| Rookie of the year – American Football |
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Why do you want to play women’s tackle football?
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| I enjoyed rugby but found a lot of injuries made me fall out of love. I transitioned to tackle football and fell in love with how mentally demanding the sport was (as well as physically). I found the sport I was meant to play |
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What does it mean to you to become a D.C. Diva?
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Becoming a D.C. Diva is a huge achievement for me. It’s proof that I’m more than I ever thought I was capable of, and I get to test myself at the highest level alongside some of the best players and coaches in the world. To have this opportunity after just two years in the sport is unreal, and I don’t take it lightly.
It’s an honour to be part of a team with such a rich legacy, surrounded by players who set the standard and coaches who are shaping the future of the game. Getting to play in the country where football was born makes this experience even more special. I’m excited to push my limits, grow as an athlete, and fully embrace what it means to be a Diva.
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What are your social media handles?
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| Insta – justannaa___Facebook – Anna Akinyosoye |
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What charities and/or causes do you support and would like to see the team do the same in some manner?
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| Anything to do with dogs – I’m happy to support the team charities |
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What are your favorite hobbies or special interests?
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| American football – outside of football I run a UK tech startup which eats the rest of my time. I do love flying and being in the sky. I also love water and watersports and will often go paddleboarding with teammates. |
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What is your favorite movie or TV Show?
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| Top Gun |
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What is your favorite food?
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| Steak, brunch or Lasagne |
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What is your favorite travel location?
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| Iceland!! |
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Who is your female sports idol? Why?
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| I wouldn’t say I have a specific idol, but if I had to choose, I’d say Simone Biles. What I admire most about her is how she took a step back to prioritise her mental and physical health, knowing that slowing down was the key to coming back stronger. She proved that looking after yourself isn’t a weakness—it’s what allows you to perform at your best. Seeing her return to the sport even greater than before is something I really respect. |
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What was the first sport you ever played?
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| Netball |
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What is your favorite sports memory?
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| Scoring the first touchdown in the GB vs Finland game – my first international game and scoring a TD was incredible |
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Who is your biggest supporter?
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| My partner – he’s taught me so much about football and how to be better. He is my biggest cheerleader and I wouldn’t be where I am without him |
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If you could have a conversation with anyone, dead or alive, who would you choose? Why?
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| The inventor of autocorrect – I want to ask why they thought “ducking” was an acceptable replacement. |
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What is your favorite quote?
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To be safe we miss our chance of ever knowing
Rank the top five priorities currently in your life.
My dogs
My partner
American Football
My business
My business |
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How important is an athlete’s public image?
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An athlete’s public image is incredibly important because we’re not just representing ourselves—we’re representing our club, our teammates, our coaches, and the sport itself. The way we carry ourselves on and off the field reflects the culture and values of the team, and we have a responsibility to uphold that standard.
As players, we have the chance to be role models for the next generation, showing them what it means to compete with integrity, discipline, and passion. The way we present ourselves helps set the tone for the club, shaping its reputation and creating an environment that others want to be part of. Ultimately, our image isn’t just about us—it’s about the legacy we leave behind.
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How would your friends, coaches and teammates describe you?
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I’d like to think my friends, coaches, and teammates would describe me as someone they can count on—whether they need help, guidance, a good laugh, or just a pick-me-up. People tend to come to me when they need support, and I’m always happy to be that person.
I’ve been described as a ray of sunshine more times than I can count (which feels a bit much, but I’ll take it!). I bring good energy to a team, and whether it’s through encouragement, humour, or just being there when someone needs me, I try to make a positive impact on the people around me.
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What do you look for in a coach?
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I look for a coach who builds players up rather than putting them down—someone who understands that learning is a process and that mistakes in practice mean I’m pushing myself to improve. I learn best by physically repping things out, so I really value a coach who recognizes that and gives me the chance to refine my technique through repetition. Honest communication is huge for me.
I want a coach who tells me exactly what I need to hear—whether it’s praise or constructive feedback—so I always know where I stand. I also want a coach who trusts me, because I put 100% into everything I do.
Finally, I respond best to small, clear cues that help me adjust on the fly rather than overloading with too much at once. A great coach, to me, is one who guides, trusts, and pushes their players to be their best while allowing them to figure things out through experience. |
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What is the best piece of advice you have gained from your coaches?
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| Preparation creates confidence |
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How would you describe yourself in three words?
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| Resilient, Supportive, Determined |
