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Twenty-three year old Caledonia AIA goalkeeper Shemel Louison’s sporting career started behind the stumps as a wicket keeper in Grenada. Devon Dowden, a youth team coach in Mt Moritz, challenged Louison to try football instead and his love for the game blossomed.
Louison was just 20-years-old when he made his senior international debut for Grenada and, two years later, Caledonia AIA coach invited him to join the then Caribbean Club Champions in the Trinidad and Tobago Pro League.
(Courtesy Dominque Webb/Wired868)
At present, he has 14 national caps for Grenada and has represented his country in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup, the 2012 Olympic qualifiers, the 2014 World Cup qualifiers and the 2013 CONCACAF Champions League.
But the goalkeeper had to deal with personal tragedy along the way. He was only 17 when his mother, Jacinth Louison, died from breast cancer.
Louison took time from his Caledonia duties for a one-on-one with Wired868:
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
Name: Shemel “Paxson” Louison
Date of birth: 9 August 1990
Position: Goalkeeper
Former school: Happy Hill Secondary
Hometown: I grew up in Mt Moritz community of St George in Grenada.
Favourite player: Oliver Kahn (Germany)
Favourite team: FC Barcelona (Spain)
Height and weight: I weigh 175 lbs and I am 6 feet 2 inches
What is something most people do not know about you?
I love playing cricket and I cannot swim.
How would you describe yourself as a person?
I am friendly, humble and great at communicating.
What pushes you to succeed?
My mom, Jacinth Louison, who passed away from breast cancer on 5 August 2007. She had the most influence on my career even though she was afraid I got hurt.
What would be success for you as a player?
Playing at the highest level in Europe.
(Courtesy Allan V Crane/Wired868)
What makes you stand out as a player?
My reflexes and reaction.
What made you move to Trinidad and Tobago to play football?
I always dreamt of leaving Grenada and playing professionally since Grenada does not have a Pro League. I met Jamaal Shabazz when Grenada played a match against Guyana. (Shabazz was Guyana head coach at the time).
I knew Shabazz had a team in Trinidad so I asked him to give me an opportunity to play for his team. I came across to Trinidad on a trial after that and I was successful.
Who was your most important coach or coaches?
Devon Dowden, the youth coach in my community. He is the person who carried me to watch and play football from the age of 12. Also Thomas Alexis who is the national goal keeper coach; he kept pushing me.
Which team do you most look forward to playing?
W Connection as they are at the top of the league.
What was your best moment in football so far? And your worst?
My best moment was when I played Honduras in the 2011 CONCACAF Gold Cup because I pulled off some great saves.
My worst moment was when Caledonia AIA played Toluca in the CONCACAF Champions league. They scored 5 goals and I blamed myself for not doing better.
What is your target for 2014?
I would like to play outside of the Caribbean. I have the ability to play at a higher level.
Editor’s Note: Click HERE for our profile of DIRECTV W Connection right back and ex-Trinidad and Tobago national youth defender Alvin Jones.
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Congratulations Pax I am so proud of you. Keep doing you much love.
Awesome job bro.. keep it up
Being a wicket keeper must have helped you develop your skills as a goalkeeper. Continue playing at a high standard and the sky’s the limit. Well written article as well.
Congrats cuz am proud of you. God bless you always.
Congratulations Shemel. There is always a way.