It's not every day that a high schooler gets to play for a national team let alone qualify to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup in France on June 7. For Montverde Academy student-athlete Jody Brown, it's an opportunity she has worked for ever since the age of 12.

Brown, a Jamaican native, started to play soccer in hopes of being like her brother Zidane Brown who also had a passion for the sport. Growing up in a small Jamaican community named Lime Hall, Brown was eager to take her soccer skills to the next level. She not only competed for the Ocho Rios High School varsity team but also played for the St.Ann's Women's Club Team during her offseason.

"I love soccer and every chance I get to play I want to take it," said Brown. "My dream is to play at the collegiate level and then on a professional soccer team. I will continue to work hard to make that dream become a reality."

After her freshman year at Ocho Rios, Brown transferred to MVA in 2017 to improve her soccer skills and her academics. As a sophomore, she lead the Lady Eagles varsity soccer team not only in scoring but also to their first State Championship win over Estero High School 4-0 last year. After the season, Brown wentright back to work and competed in the 2018 Concacaf Tournament to help Jamaica become the first Caribbean team to qualify to the FIFA Women's World Cup. In the quarterfinal match, Brown scored a hat trick over the Cuban National team, leading Jamaica to a 9-0 victory. In the semifinal match, Jamaica was going up against No.1 ranked team USA where Brown would make her first professional start against one of the best teams in the world. Jamaica would lose their match against team USA but would still earn a chance to qualify with a win over Panama. Jamaica would eventually go on to defeat Panama in a penalty-kick shootout 4-2 where Brown earned her fourth goal of the tournament. Brown was not only named to the Concacaf Best Team but also was awarded the Concacaf Best Young Player of the tournament.

"Winning those awards and being able to represent my country means a lot to me because it shows how much time I put into my sport and how much my team means to me," said Brown.

Currently, at the age of 16, Brown leads the Lady Eagles in scoring and assists as a junior with 28 goals and 9 assists. The Lady Eagles will play against Viera High School this Friday, February 8 for the Regional semifinal match as they look to defend their 4A Stare Championship Title and improve their 19-0 record. Brown also is undecided in her college pursuit but looks to make a decision soon. After her high school season, Brown and the Jamaican team will play this summer in a challenging World Cup group consisting of international powerhouse Brazil, Italy, and Australia. Click here for full schedule.

Final Message from Montverde Academy Girls Head Varsity Coach Robbie Aristodemo:

Jody Brown's accomplishments speak for themselves.  To be named in the top 11 in Concacaf speaks volumes for her as an individual.  It's not too often you have a high school player in the top 11 with the likes of Alex Morgan and other top professional athletes. To have someone so young competing at the world stage is outstanding for her, our school and program.  We certainly want to do our part in trying to help her get ready for the world stage in June.  She is a phenomenal talent, but more importantly she is a great person with a smile and joy that shows when she is playing.   She is very easy to coach and very likable among her teammates. It's been a great two years with Jody Brown and we expect big things from her, not only on the field but in the classroom and community.