Former No. 1 Camper and Staff Coach Jamia Fields Talks Camps, College and Becoming a Champion
My mom signed me up and I started playing at age 5.
I attended the Claremont location for 8 years.
different each year?Coming back each year I definitely learned something new. The activities and drills were difficult yet fun. Each year I came back eager to better myself. I also came back and worked as a staff coach for 2 years which was really great to be able to work with the players and see the other side of camp. Lot’s of campers come back and become coaches. There is a lot of loyalty at the camp which I think is very important!
What is your favorite memory of camp?
My favorite memory was playing World Cup each year. I couldn’t wait until after lunch when the teams were posted to see which team I was on and whom I was competing against.
The coaches at No.1 are definitely top notch coaches – in my opinion they are among some of the best in the country. The training sessions at camp were very good, and I felt like I was being challenged every session. The Camp Directors Mike Potier and Billy Gordon are so professional and knowledgeable about the game and it was displayed every year. And it was really great that the actual Camp Directors were at the camp and on the field at every session literally going around and helping and getting to know every player at the camp. The entire staff they provided year to year never failed to disappoint me.
Mike and Billy traveled to many of my games when they were close to them. Also, Mike made it to the College Cup this year for the entire weekend to witness us win the national championship. My point being that these coaches and staff at No.1 Soccer Camp care about your development and accomplishments apart from the camp. Years later, two coaches from a camp I attended when I was younger are still supporting me.
Women’s College Cup for Florida State to give them their first Soccer National Championship. Can you describe that moment and feeling?It was the 83rd minute and still 0-0 so I knew I had to take a shot if I got the opportunity. I cut inside and saw a small opening and took the shot and it went in. That moment is still pretty indescribable.How did you end up at Florida State when you lived in California?
I was looking at schools in California too but since Mike was from Florida and knew the coach he advised me to look at FSU. He also contacted the Head Coach and recommended he come watch me play at an event in Florida. Then I went on a visit and the coaches, the team, the school in general just felt right. Initially I didn’t want to go all the way across the country but I knew FSU would give me the best opportunity to develop my career and further me as a player after college.
I’m excited to play at one of the highest levels in women’s soccer. I think its going to be a good experience playing for a new coach and with new girls at a professional level.
I want to play overseas and hopefully get the opportunity to play for the USWNT.
What advice do you have for players looking to play at the collegiate level?
Dedicate time to work on your skills and fitness outside your organized team.
As you are searching for colleges, keep your options open and don’t be close-minded. I didn’t want to leave California, and ended up at Florida State going to 4 college cups in 4 years (something I could have never imagined).
Anything else you want to say to our campers and all of your fans out there?
I can honestly say that No. 1 Soccer Camps contributed my success in soccer. I recommend this camp to those who are looking for a camp, and if you have already attended, I advise you to return, you won’t be disappointed. It’s worth every penny!
Keep working hard, set goals, envision dreams for yourself and strive for them even when the path may be seemingly impossible.
Blue 16 Media