Thompson "Mental Strength" Fueling for Club & Country
IslandStats.com
Bermuda international Kenni Thompson has reflected on a whirlwind period of success, praising the "effort and hard work" that has seen her excel on both the international stage and in the English domestic leagues. In a season defined by historic milestones, the winger has been a focal point for a Bermuda side chasing World Cup qualification and an AFC Bournemouth team taking the third tier by storm.
Bermuda’s senior women's team recently concluded a high-stakes double-header in their CONCACAF W Qualifiers campaign, showing flashes of brilliance that Thompson believes signal a bright future.
Bermuda opened with a clinical 4-0 victory over the Cayman Islands, a match Thompson described as being under their control "from start to finish". Thompson herself was instrumental in the rout, scoring in the 13th minute and providing a key assist for Jaden Masters.
The momentum faced a stern test days later in Guatemala City. Despite a 4-1 defeat—hampered by an early injury to goalkeeper Taya Rodrigues—Thompson took immense pride in the team’s resilience.
"Even though we didn't get the result we wanted, we were able to walk away with our heads held high," Thompson said of the battle against Guatemala. "How we conducted ourselves and kept going through the game was really good".
Thompson's influence was again undeniable, as she provided the cross for captain Eva Frazzoni to score Bermuda’s lone goal.
Back in England, Thompson has been equally impactful for AFC Bournemouth Women. After a "double-winning" 2024/25 campaign where they clinched promotion and the National League Plate, the Cherries have made an seamless transition to the FA Women's National League Southern Premier Division.
While critics might have expected a newly promoted side to struggle with the "step up" in competition, Thompson credited the team's relentless mentality for their current position at the top of the league during the Christmas break.
The Mentality: Thompson noted that even while playing in the fourth division, the squad maintained the belief that they had to be better than their current level.
Overachieving: This internal drive has led the team to "overachieve" in their first season in the third tier.
The Break: With the season at its halfway point, Thompson emphasized the importance of rest and recovery before returning to the second half of the campaign with a renewed focus on "working hard and improving".
As Thompson prepares for a massive 2026, her dual success stands as a testament to the growing strength of Bermudian football on the global stage.
