Player: Jamia Fields

Reaching the final four of the College Cup is no easy task, but Jamia Fields and her Florida State squads did just that all four years she was in Tallahassee. The Lady Seminoles were unlucky in her first three years, getting bounced in the semifinals twice, and then losing in the championship her junior year. It was a lot of heartbreak, but in 2014 Jamia and the Florida State women’s soccer team were on a mission, and thanks to Jamia’s championship clinching goal in the 83rd minute against Virginia, the three years of heartbreak turned to unparalleled joy. 

Since that day in December the happiness has continued. In January, Jamia was drafted in the second round (14th overall) by the NWSL’s Boston Breakers, giving her the chance to live out her childhood dream of playing professional soccer.

Nicknamed "Ms. November-December" by her coach Mark Krikorian, Jamia was an immediate contributor her freshman year, earning a spot on the 2011 ACC All Freshman team. Her development continued throughout her college career where she then became the College Cup’s Most Outstanding Player on Offense in 2013. Fields scored three goals and added two assists in the College Cup tournament and she was also named Second Team All ACC in 2014 along with being on the 2013 and 2014 All Tournament teams.

After recieving a better opportunity for a contract with the Western New York Flash, Jamia now lives in the Northeast and is enjoying every moment with her teammates. Without further adieu, here are 18 questions with the National Championship hero and Western New York Flash forward Jamia Fields! 

1. Where are you from? Alta Loma, California.

2. How old are you? I'm 21.

3. How did you start playing?  My mom actually just randomly signed me up. 

4. What is your signature move?  The snake/ Elastico (inside outside).

5. What is one skill you think every player needs to cultivate?  A body fake or pump fake.

6. Who are your soccer heroes? Mia Hamm and Lionel Messi.

7. What advice would you give to someone just starting out in the sport? That you should do extra work on your own so you can enhance your skills, and to watch professional games.

8. What was it like scoring the goal to win FSU their first National Championship? It was amazing... I honestly can't even explain the feeling.

9. What has the transition from college to the NWSL been like? What advice would you give to future players? The transition from college to the NWSL has been good. We definitely play at a faster tempo in the NWSL, and the players are stronger. As for advice for future players, I think you just have to be focused at all times [so that you do] not make those simple mistakes that you could make in college. 

10. What’s your worst moment on the pitch? Probably losing to UCLA in the National Championship in 2013.

11. How did you get past your worst moment? That next spring in 2014 we started working really hard to be that much better in every aspect of the game, on and off the field. And that lead us to a national championship.

12. What is your “ultimate soccer experience?" Going to the Olympics. 

13. What soccer talent would you most like to have? Technical skill and speed.

14. What music do you listen to before games? Christian music (in my headphones) but then in the locker room with the team I listen to whatever they play. Usually it's R&B/ hip-hop/rap music.

15. What inspires you while you're out on the pitch? The gifted abilities that God gave me inspire me to do well. Also my team and the fans supporting and watching us.

16. What do you value most in your teammates? Their personalities. 

17. What sports and activities do you enjoy off the pitch? I like to horseback ride, hike and play tennis.

18. Where will we see you in 5 years? Playing soccer still! I'm not sure at what level, but hopefully at the highest level I can!!!