By: Richard L. Smith
In celebration of Women's History Month, the Honorable Mayor Andre Sayegh will honor Paterson soccer star Danielle Etienne, a member of Haiti's National Women's Football Team, for her contributions to securing Haiti's first-ever appearance at a FIFA Women's World Cup.
According to Paterson City officials, on February 22, 2023, Haiti beat Chile 2-1 in the intercontinental playoff, making them the first of three teams to qualify for the finals.
Official said Etienne, the daughter of Pastor Derrick Etienne, Sr. of Latter Glory Church in Paterson, and former Long Island Rough Riders soccer player, has been a standout athlete since her youth.
She currently plays for the Fordham University Rams. She represents the Haitian National Team at various levels, including the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-17 Championship in Nicaragua, the 2018 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship in Trinidad and Tobago, the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in France, the 2020 CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualifying Championship in the United States and the 2020 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship in the Dominican Republic.
The Country of Haiti has been hit with a series of crises, including natural disasters and the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in 2021. Despite the challenges, Etienne and her team persevered and made history by securing a spot in the World Cup.
Paterson officials said her brother, Derrick Etienne Jr., received the Key to the City for his performance in securing a Major League Soccer championship for the Columbus Crew in 2020.
The ceremony is set for 11 a.m. at City Hall.