Ransom ready to give her all for Reinhardt
Jade Ransom didn’t start out as a soccer player.
Her athletic career actually began as a cheerleader as a kid, something she has continued to do during her time at Ridgeland High School.
But when she got a little older, she discovered the game of soccer and that sport will pay off even more after graduation in May as the senior back row player signed papers on Friday, Feb. 28 to continue her soccer career at nearby Reinhardt University in Waleska.
“This opportunity has literally been a complete dream of mine since I was little,” she said. “I did cheer growing up, but once I got into soccer, it was just like an outlet for me, so imagining (myself) going to college and not continuing with soccer was just impossible for me to think of.”
Ridgeland girls’ head soccer Corey Lee said he was happy that Ransom got to play both sports during her time at Ridgeland.
“It can get difficult during cheer tryouts, but both coaches worked with each other during that time,” he said. “The importance of a multi-sport athlete is something I hold dear. Their conditioning stays up through the offseason and there is a
constant development of different muscle groups due to the different activities involved in soccer and other sports that gives an edge over one-sport athletes.”
Ranson said that she was thrilled that her efforts on the pitch would be paying off with a college education.
“It was a lot of hard work, but was so worth it in the end,” she continued. “I love the school that I’m going to and all the new friendships I’ll be creating.
“Reinhardt is just a beautiful campus. Everybody there is so welcoming and they all want to get to know you. They take an interest in what you want to do with your life and I just love how close-knit it is.”
Lee said that Ransom has made “significant gains” as a soccer player since her sophomore year when she first started competing for the varsity team and the coach also spoke highly of Ransom’s character and work ethic.
“She is a mature, poised and confident leader that exercises good judgment, which is
quick and decisive in action,” he added. “She is a lady with personality that is well liked and highly-respected among her teammates and she has untapped leadership abilities. I believe as she continues to mature, the sky will be her limit.”
Ransom said she would most likely continue to play on defense in college, but added that she is willing to play wherever she is needed.
“I told (the Reinhardt coach) the day I met him that you can put me on the field anywhere and I’ll work hard for it,” she continued. “I’m bringing a lot of dedication and hard work. I’m not the best, but I definitely want to be one of their go-to people that they can depend and rely on, so I’ll be working really hard until then.”
Ransom added that after months of careful consideration, she has decided to major in sports psychology.
The NAIA Eagles went 136-1 this past fall, 10-2-1 in the Appalachian Athletic Conference. Reinhardt reeled off eight straight wins at end of season, the first seven by shutout, before a tough 1-0 loss to Tennessee Wesleyan in the AAC semifinals.