Shylah Francis

Shyla is a student-athlete from Kingston, Jamaica who attended Excelsior High School. During her high school career she helped her team win back-to-back School Girl Football championships. Thomas also demonstrated her scoring ability by recording 30 goals in a season and earning Golden Boot honors with Reinas Academy after scoring 25 goals.

Before coming to UMFK, Thomas continued developing her game through KASAFA, Ballaz Academy and Reinas Academy. Her experiences within Jamaican football helped shape her into a competitive and accomplished player prepared to contribute at the collegiate level.

In addition to soccer, Francis is a dual-sport varsity athlete who has embraced the challenge of competing in track and field at UMFK. During her first year in the sport, she placed third in the hammer throw with a mark of 25.06 meters. She considers that performance one of her proudest athletic accomplishments because it demonstrated how quickly she could learn, develop and succeed in a new event.

Francis credits UMFK Coach Davis Cyr as an important influence in her development. She appreciates his willingness to recognize opportunities to help others and take action without needing to be asked.

Away from competition, Thomas enjoys singing, listening to music and playing video games. Her favorite movie is Life in a Year, her favorite book is Deception Point, and her favorite musical artists include Bayka and Bryson Tiller. She supports Chelsea Football Club and lists Chinese food as her favorite cuisine. One unexpected fact about Thomas is that she has double-jointed shoulders.

As a center forward, Shyla says she prides herself on having an eye for goal and making an impact on the field.  Off the field, she's focused on pursuing her degree and using her education to my advantage in my future career. She also hopse to inspire younger female athletes back home in Jamaica to believe in themselves, work hard, and pursue their goals both on and off the field.

Her favorite Bible verse is: “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.” — Philippians 4:13, KJV