Simmonds siblings carry on legacy
Kameron, Nicholas make three generations to play for Jamaica
SIBLINGS COMPETING at the international level is always special, but for a family with three generations to have worn the national colours is something to celebrate, says Gregory Simmonds after watching his son record his first goal and assist for the under-20 Reggae Boyz.
Simmonds is the father of senior Reggae Girlz striker Kameron Simmonds and U20 Reggae Boyz striker Nicholas Simmonds. Like his children, Simmonds represented Jamaica at the international level and is also the son of former Reggae Boy, Patrick Simmonds.
For him, it was never in doubt that Nicholas and Kameron would represent Jamaica and continue the family’s legacy.
“Jamaica is where we are from, so for us, Jamaica is always the first option,” he said.
“Jamaica came first and it was the best opportunity for them. My parents still live in Jamaica, so it was their dream to see their grandkids putting on the national colours.
“It’s a very good feeling not just for me as their dad and one of their coaches, but for the family as well to be able to see them fulfil their dreams. My Dad played for Jamaica, my uncle played for Jamaica, I played for Jamaica, so it’s one of the good things in our family that the tradition is continuing.”
Kameron had a meteoric rise through the ranks of the Reggae Girlz youth squads before making her senior debut in 2022.
Kameron would be called up by then head coach Lorne Donaldson for the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup squad where she would make her World Cup debut against Panama.
Simmonds credits his daughter’s drive and mentality for her success and said it was a proud moment for their family when she made her debut at the Women’s World Cup.
“I think it’s her determination and her mentality and her willingness to learn. She’s very coachable and she works very hard. She didn’t stop training since her goal to make the senior squad, so she consistently trained throughout the year.
“Her success is f rom her mentality. She’s just a passionate and driven person, even in training sessions she goes all out. She only took a week off here and there throughout the year. She has the talent but it’s her drive that carried her to the top.”
For his son, Simmonds explained it was a special moment as a father when Nicholas got his first international goal.
Nicholas scored the opener and assisted Jamaica’s second goal against Grenada at the CONCACAF Men’s U20 Qualifiers last week.
“It was very important for him as a striker. As a past striker, I know the importance of getting your first goal. Playing at the level is mentally challenging. For us as a family, we’re super excited and again, because of the work he’s put in in the past year for his goal to get in that U20 squad. So for him to score that goal meant a lot, not just for him but for the whole family.”
Nicholas is currently committed to the University of Virginia. However, Simmonds explained that should a professional opportunity arise, he expects his son to accept the chance to go pro.
On the other hand, Kameron will be settling into a new collegiate home after joining national champions Florida State. She will be joining fellow Jamaican internationals Jody Brown, Solai Washington and Amelia Van Zanten.