Ward looks to bring best to Sunshine Girls
Sunshine Girls defender Jodi-Ann Ward said she is very delighted to be selected in Jamaica’s team to next month’s Quad Series and Commonwealth Games.
The 23-year-old Ward told STAR Sports that she is looking forward to the opportunity to represent Jamaica for the first time in an overseas tournament.
“It is a great feeling knowing that I came into the national team last year, so be selected means a lot, knowing that I will be representing my country for the first time internationally,” said Ward, who is a former Marcus Garvey and Dinthill Technical High School representative.
“It means a lot to me, it means a lot to my family and it also means a lot to everyone in Jamaica, so it is a great feeling,” she said.
Ward, who plays goal defence as well as wing defence, made her international debut for the Sunshine Girls against Barbados last April on home soil.
She added that it was very difficult to gain spot on the national team because all the girls are very talented players and she was happy that she was selected.
OVERWHELMED
“When I was selected, I was overwhelmed, but I know I was in the running for selection,” Ward said. “The competition was stiff because you could not tell if you will be selected or not.”
She also stated that she has worked very hard in training to improve her game, so she is confident that she will do well in both tournaments.
“You can now expect a lot from me because I know that the pressure will be on, as you know that you will be playing against the best in the world,” she said. “You have to bring your best game at all times and stay focused and look towards your teammates for support,” Ward said.
“The team is very supportive and once you know that your teammates are behind you and your coaches are behind you and the country is behind you, then you will be successful. I know that we will be successful,” she said.