Two years ago, the 22-year-old went to the Indian Hills Community College in America to play college football and study an Associates of Arts and Science degree and she said she had a great time.

"Going over there was always my dream," Lewis said.

The former Bowral junior player, who was given the opportunity by Football NSW, said she felt her time there helped her grow as a player.

"Training twice a day, doing weight training, and playing games every couple of days made me realise I needed to improve on my fitness.

"I feel the main difference between football in the US and Australia is that they were more fitness based and I never really had to do sprints or much running here."

The centre forward, who played for Bowral u8s to u12s, the Southern Branch u13s to u15s, and Macarthur u15s to u17s and reserve grade, will now use her knowledge gained when she captains Sutherland Strikers First Grade side which plays in the Football NSW League One Women's competition.

She will be joined by her teammate at the college in K J Schmidt.

"I'm pleased to be back in Australia to play for Sutherland, a team that is steeped in the history of Australian football," she said.

Lewis, who wants to play in the W-League one day had advice for those who wanted to follow in her footsteps.

"Don't give up," she said.

"The harder you train, the more results you'll get out of it.

"I will always be grateful, from the early days, for playing for Bowral and the very dedicated coaches who gave me all the opportunities to achieve my goals."

The competition Lewis plays in is the second tier of women's football in New South Wales.