Jasmine Williams '20 Recruiting Profile

The first time I joined a soccer team I was 6 years old. I was known as a quieter child and quite a girly girl. I remember getting on that field and my coach said, "Go steal that ball from them and get it in the net." I was hooked! My parents didn't recognize the person I had become on the field. I became aggressive on the field and was on such a mission to get that ball every play. My love for this sport has continued to grow since that first game. I love every second of the game when I'm on that field.

Since 7th grade, I have been playing on a boys soccer team after our school cut the budget for a girls team. My passion for this sport is what kept me going, even if it meant playing with the boys. In high school, I made the Varsity team my freshman year. I think most people get nervous when they get accepted to play at a Varsity level as a freshman. It's a new school, a new team and a much different level of game. I will be honest, I was nervous as heck to be on that field the first year. I had to either face my fears, and these huge guys, or not play, and I didn't really see that as an option. So, I did it. I made it through that first year and have been eager to go back every year since. 

As an athlete, I have strong legs, a strong core and good speed. Playing on the back line I have the advantage of always being able to scan the field. This help me to predict the next play and to verbalize those possible plays to the team.

Playing on a high school boys varsity team, I have had to prove myself so much more than I would have on a girls team. I had to show these guys that I was capable of keeping up with their speed, their skill level and that I could go up against the opposing team without fear. I have earned their respect and trust, and a leadership role. It took hours upon hours of hard practices and solid matches, facing my fears and not backing down to anyone. 

As a student, I maintain a 3.9 gpa. I have achieved this high rank by studying extremely hard and completing all of my work and on time. Prioritizing and good organization have been key roles in maintaining High Honors since middle school. This year I also joined the National Honor Society.

In my free time, I enjoy volunteering at various community events. Some of these events include baking pies for our local food pantry at Thanksgiving, assisting at kids booths at our different community fairs and helping a local non-profit orphanage charity at their fundraising events. I have volunteered for our town rec department as an assistant coach for youth soccer for 3 years as well.

When I think about my future, I see myself attending a college that will push me to do my best in both education and soccer. I have known what I want to be since I was 10 years old. I have never waivered from that decision as it is very near to my heart. I want to be a physical therapist, specializing in aquatic therapy. I want to find a college that will offer an amazing physical therapy program but also offer the highest level of soccer competition that I can play at.  Above all else, my main goal in life is to make my friends, family, and most importantly my parents proud of all that I have accomplished.