The move empowered the defender to start fending for herself from an early age: it led to the first time she lived without her family, and she started learning the “small” things in independence, how to cook and take care of herself, making her stronger.

At the same time, living alone wasn’t always easy: “From one point it was nice, because I lived with my friends so of course, in that age you appreciate that too. But in the hard moments, I couldn't talk with my parents eye-to-eye, so it wasn't easy.”

If it wasn’t for the love and support of her parents – who often brought Paulina to training a few times a week, 80 kilometers away from their hometown – Paulina doesn’t think she would’ve been able to play.

“It was important for me but it wasn't easy for them. But they did it for me, so I really appreciate that,” she said. “They were with me, they supported me, and no matter if I won the game or we lost the game – they are always there, and same for my sister."