Cheyra Bell, Lady Cougars? prolific goal-scoring machine, just received the ideal new year fillip ? a full scholarship to any one of five North American colleges.

The 17-year-old poster girl of local women?s football received the wonderful news just over a week ago.

But now comes the difficult part, choosing between South Carolina State University, Howard University, Mississippi Valley State, Kate Barton University and Alabama A&M that toured the Island in the mid-1980s with a squad containing Bermudians Wayne (Spike) Richardson and Bermuda Cricket Board officials Arnold Manders and Allen Richardson.

North Village assistant coach Maceo Dill also attended Alabama A&M.

?I am going to choose based on the school that teaches the profession of my choice. And I guess you can say this was the perfect Christmas gift,? the Bermuda Institute student told The Royal Gazette.

Bell is fresh off competing for Lower Dolphins Under 18 women?s team in the Orange Classic held over the Christmas holiday in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

The Bermudian striker, who netted one goal in five outings, helped Dolphins reach the semi-finals of the festive tournament.

?We won three out of four matches but lost in the semis,? added Bell, daughter of late Hotels International and North Village Rams central defender Derek Bell.

Bell has so far banged in 34 goals for local side Lady Cougars who remain firmly on course for the triple crown of Konica, FA Cup and league championship.

And if you can agree the Cougars? poacher has nerves of steel around the goal area, then the profession she has chosen shouldn?t really come as a big surprise ? one that demands mental toughness, steady hands and a strong stomach.

?I want to become a forensic pathologist although at first I wanted to be a cardiologist,? Bell divulged.

?But when I began volunteering at the funeral home (Augustus) I got the understanding of what a forensic pathologist does. And this is something I enjoy doing and the profession I have chosen for myself.?

As for her recent excursion in Florida, Bell stated: ?It was a very good experience; playing football at a very high competitive level.?

Bell got the opportunity to showcase her versatility, reverting from striker to midfielder.

?I didn?t get to play in my position as striker but when I did that?s when I scored,? she added.

?I was playing left midfield which was a bit different for me because of the system they (Dolphins) played. Our full backs didn?t really pick up the player running through which left me to cover and then also have to attack.

?Plus the system also kept changing.?

l Dudley Eve notebook: Devonshire Cougars? Omar and Joshua Butterfield, Mark and Kwame Steede and Ricardo and Lamont Brangman are also brothers as are North Village?s Kentoine and Keith Jennings.

Village assistant coach Maceo Dill and defender Kofi Dill are also brothers and sons of club president Shervin Dill.

Village coach Dwayne Adams and referee?s assistant Tracy Adams are also brothers.