Kayla Siddiqi, defender for the Pakistan women’s football team, has garnered recognition by being named in the prestigious 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team in the United States. Nicknamed ‘Baji Banana,’ Siddiqi, who transferred from North Carolina State University to Florida Atlantic University in January 2023, secured her spot in the All-District team.
Currently pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering at Florida Atlantic University, Siddiqi balances academics with a summer internship at Timmons Group, an engineering, design, and technology firm. Remarkably, she continues to make significant contributions as a national-level football player for Pakistan.
Originally from Midlothian, Virginia, Siddiqi attended James River High School, and her journey into the Pakistani national team began with her debut in a friendly match against Singapore earlier in the year. Despite a 1-0 loss for the Women in Green, Siddiqi’s stellar performance earned her accolades from fans and football experts alike.
Qualifying for the Pakistani team through her grandfather, who migrated from Pakistan to the USA in the 1960s, Siddiqi is optimistic about Pakistan’s potential to secure a spot in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. Despite missing several national games due to academic commitments, she remains dedicated to realizing this ambitious dream.
Siddiqi’s multi-faceted pursuits showcase her commitment to both academics and sports. Her inclusion in the Academic All-District Team reflects not only her prowess on the football field but also her academic excellence. As she envisions a future where Pakistan competes on the global stage in women’s football, Siddiqi’s determination and talent serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes and scholars alike.
