Simmonds eager to continue family line
Published:Friday | September 2, 2022 | 12:10 AM
The first international game for the national senior women’s team since July could be a landmark moment for 18-year-old Kameron Simmonds who will hope to continue the legacy of the Simmonds family who has represented Jamaica at the international level.
The Reggae Girlz will face South Korea tomorrow at 3 a.m. Jamaica time at the Hwaseong Sports Complex Stadium in South Korea. Simmonds is one of four new call-ups for this international window as part of the 23-player squad under evaluation by interim head coach Lorne Donaldson as preparations begin for next year’s Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Simmonds who plays for the University of Tennessee says that the call-up was unexpected but she is relishing being able to continue the family legacy, set by her father Gregory and grandfather Patrick, both of whom donned the Jamaican colours at the international level.
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“I couldn’t be more excited, more honoured with this opportunity. I didn’t have any clue that I would get called up but when I did, it just all came to place and I am so happy,” Simmonds, a member of Jamaica’s team at this year’s Concacaf under-20 Championships, said.
“Especially knowing that my dad played for the Jamaican national teams as well as my grandfather. Being the third generation Simmonds playing is just the biggest honour ever to carry on the lineage of our family.”
It is a legacy that she hopes will end up with a chance to make it to the World Cup next year.
With an opportunity to make a good impression on a core group that is more established, Simmonds says she is looking forward to continuing her development and giving herself a chance to make the squad for next summer’s tournament
“Being here in South Korea is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I have the team and I love the coaches, the style of play, the pace of play, something that I have never experienced before. So (I’m) happy to develop here and also have the chance of making the World Cup,” said Simmonds.