Montverde Academy student-athlete and 2019 FIFA World Cup qualifier Jody Brown '20 announced her commitment to Florida State University on Friday, November 1 and will compete for the Seminoles in the fall of 2020. This now marks the third Division I commitment this season by an MVA female soccer athlete: Maria Tregansin (University of Central Florida) and Vivianne Bessette (Florida International University).

"I'm really excited to start playing with the team and to just build on my game," said Brown. "It's really a great school and they have the best resources that will help me. I believe FSU is the best place for my development."

Brown was pursued by several top Division I colleges such as the University of Central Florida, University of Florida, Wake Forest University, University of Miami, University of Tennesee, and Arizona State University. It was ultimately FSU that took Brown's interest because of the consistent success the Seminoles have had over the past years with consecutive top-five national rankings dating back to the early 2000s. In the program's 24-year existence, FSU has earned two national championships (2014 & 2018), appeared in two other national championship games (2007 & 2013), captured six ACC Championships (2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2018) and finished as the ACC regular-season champions three times (2009, 2012 and 2014). 

"This is a perfect fit for Jody and a perfect fit for FSU," said Head Coach Robbie Aristodemo. "Her quickness and ability to unlock defenses will allow them [Seminoles] to stretch the defense providing scoring opportunities. FSU will challenge Jody and provide opportunities for her to not only thrive at the college level but also professionally and internationally."

Brown has cemented her legacy as one of the most talented female soccer athletes to ever join the program at the Montverde International Fútbol Club (MIFC). After receiving numerous accolades such as being named the best young player in the CONCACAF at the age of 16, joining the CONCACAF XI Female Team with the likes of Alex Morgan (Member of Team USA and Player of the Year), Brown also competed in the 2019 FIFA World Cup playing against the best teams in the world such as Brazil, Italy, and Australia. At MVA, Brown led the Lady Eagles to two consecutive State Championships and in goals scored dating back to 2017. Off the field, Brown thrives in academics, leadership and giving back to the community. Earlier in the year, Brown was awarded the Victoria Mutual Y.O.U.T.H Award which recognizes a young, outstanding, upcoming, and talented headliner. With that award, Brown received a trophy and a cash prize of $150,00.00 in which she donated to the SAFA and the Lime Hall School back in her native Jamaica.

Entering her third and final season as a senior, Brown has shown a tremendous amount of development as not only an elite athlete but also as a hard-working student. According to Aristodemo, Brown struggled in her first year as a sophomore with time management in balancing both soccer and academics. However, through proper structure and assistance from the faculty and staff at MVA, Brown was able to increase her overall GPA and excel in her soccer career.

"She's grown in every aspect from her first year here," said Aristodemo. "To see the kind of person she is now is a great testimony of the culture we have at MVA. The players, coaches, and teachers have all played an important role in her development as not only an athlete but also a person."

Earlier in the year, one of Brown's ultimate goals was to play at the collegiate level on an NCAA Division I soccer team and with hopes of competing at the professional level. According to Brown, if fortunate enough to achieve her goals, she will continue to give back to her community in Jamaica and other organizations with the hopes of providing education and sports to other student-athletes.