MASSENA -- A Massena woman recently got to fulfill a dream and play women’s professional football in North Carolina.

Windy Derushia played for the Carolina Queens, who finished their season with a 4-4 record.

“It was a amazing experience and I met some awesome teamates that I know will be friends forever,” she said. “I got to sign autographs and tell so many people about my little town in northern New York.”

She said she played as a starter in two positions and was second string for a third.

She credits the community with contributing to fundraisers she held to help her relocate and join the team.

“Massena helped me raise the money to be able to follow my dream and come to North Carolina and try out,” she said.

In addition to playing football, she landed a job with a company that helps people get clean drinking water, and plans on bringing the service back to the North Country.

"I work for Aqua Pure Solutions. We help people by getting all the poisons out of their water getting them good clean water in homes and businesses,” Derushia said. “They are letting me bring the business back to New York and start a company here in Massena.”

She said the whole thing would not have been possible without support at home and from friends.

“I am very fortunate for the support I received from my wife, Dawn Derushia. She has been here by my side. The whole team loves her,” she said via email. “And my best friend Kelly Cote for allowing us to stay at her home during the season. Also my friends and family especially my mom and Dave and Wanda DeRushia, and my sons Zachary and Cody Jones and just the town of Massena itself.

“I followed my dreams, I made it a reality and I will never forget it.”