Cholakian keen to scale new heights
Claudia Cholakian is set to turn heads this year on the pitch – and her Manly United teammates will be the big winners.
The younger sister of men’s first grade attacking ace Brendan Cholakian, the 21-year-old lobbed at Cromer Park in pre-season after spending last year abroad, living in London.
“It was actually part of my university course, I went on exchange for six months,” the attacking midfielder said.
“I really enjoyed it, but the football was very different to what I was used to – I played for the University (King’s College), but it was very social.”
Cholakian played junior representative football with NWS Koalas and Northern Tigers before joining Manly United aged 17.
She was ushered straight into Reserve Grade and quickly caught the eye due to her hardworking nature and finesse on the ball.
This season she has come off the bench in first grade in all three games so far versus Macarthur, Sutherland and Bankstown.
Honest enough to admit she is down the pecking order when it comes to starting games, Cholakian knows she has to take opportunities when they come her way.
“It is a great team well coached by Chris (Williams),” she said.
“I’m happy to bide my time, but obviously I want to play more minutes.
“I’m energetic and I’m always happy to backtrack to defend – but if I can play a consistent role in first grade, I’ll be happy.”
Away from football, Cholakian has just commenced a master’s degree in International and Global Studies at Sydney University.
“I also work part-time, I like to keep busy,” she said.