Meet Jamie Grieco! She is a special education teacher in Howell, NJ and a mom of two boys! Jamie attended Lenape High School in New Jersey, and played four years varsity high school soccer, as well as one year of lacrosse. She also played on many travel soccer teams. Soccer was what she was most passionate about.
After high school, Jamie played four years at The College of New Jersey. While at TCNJ, she was named to the NSCAA All- Mid-Atlantic Region First Team in 2007, voted d3kicks.com All-American Third Team. · She earned various NJAC honors in 2007 and 2008 being named first team all-conference and a two-time player of the week. ·Jamie played forward and led the team in goals and points with her 17 goals the third single-season mark in school history. ·She was also selected to the NCAA All-Tournament Team in 2005 and 2006. Playing soccer was a huge part of her life and she continues to bring that love for the game into her adult life.
She continues her passion for fitness by working out at EZE Fit gym and by running half marathons. Jamie also continued her passion for soccer by playing in a women’s soccer league, until she had her two boys. She continues to stay active at the gym and by running. Let’s meet Jamie!
Q: What sports did you play growing up?
I played soccer and lacrosse for one season. I started rec soccer at about 6 years old. I was the only girl that made all star team. We played in a tournament and I remember A little boy on the other team laughing at me because i was a girl. It made me upset. But I’m so glad I didn’t let it stop me. I was so proud to be on that team. From about 9 or so on to about 18 I spent playing travel soccer every weekend. I met a lot of friends and had amazing coaches. It was extremely time consuming- I realize now how much money and time my parents spent on tournaments. The hotel trips were the best! I loved collecting patches from other teams (I wonder if they still do that?!) My high school team was very good. We were Group 4 South Jersey Champs a few times. We almost won a state championship but sadly fell short. I joined lacrosse my freshman year because my coach knew I was fast and athletic. I ended up doing well with it but it was too much on my plate with spring soccer since my goal was to play in college.
Q:Was there anything that made you hesitant about starting your sport(s)?
Not that i know of. I was shy so maybe to start. Definitely was a quiet leader, so I didn’t take on that captain role growing up. I wish I wasn’t so hesitant to speak up back then!
Q: What female athletes did you look up to?
Kristine Lilly was a forward like me. And everyone loved Mia Hamm!
Q: What is your favorite memory associated with sports?
One of my favorite memories was playing in a national championship in Disney! We got to have thanksgiving dinner at Epcot and explore the park after. We stayed at an awesome hotel and it was fun being with my team. It was just such a cool atmosphere. We sadly lost in the final.
Another favorite memory is my senior year at TCNJ thinking we were not going to make the playoffs because our record wasn’t as good and we didn’t win our conference. We found out we were in a few days later (after a few nights of partying and being sad) and it was the best feeling ever!
Q: How has playing sports helped shape your life?
It’s shaped my life by giving me lifelong friendships, shown me the importance of commitment and fitness. Soccer has given me a competitive drive. Not in a selfish way but in a way that I always want to do my best: but if there’s an athletic competition I sure as hell want to win.
Q: What advice would you give to young girls who is just starting off in sports?
Joining a sport was the best thing I ever did, but it was hard. Being on a team will teach you more about life than any lesson at school. It’s a lot physically and mentally but worth it! Don’t give up!. buttttt also find a sport you are passionate about . (T ball was not for me! Haha)
Coach Rachel 