4 Questions Episode I - Jane Campbell (Houston Dash & USWNT)

December 19th 2019

Jane Campbell is a wonderful human being. She is intelligent, articulate and laser focused. I remember asking her what her goals were this year and the answer was simple, short and honest “I want to be the best goalkeeper in the World”. The answer carried no arrogance, it was as sincere as it was intent.

Her guidance for the young players in question 4 is a great reflection of the Houston Dash Starting Keeper.

I hope you enjoy our first in our “4 Questions” Series!

1. Can you tell us a little of your pathway to becoming a professional (from Youth, College etc..)?   

I began playing for a club team at age 12. I began my club career at NASA, which is now Top Hat located in Atlanta, GA. I then switched clubs to Concorde Fire because they had just joined ECNL and I wanted to play in front of more college coaches to get more exposure, where my previous club was staying in National League. I was able to try out for GA ODP around age 13 and was fortunate to make the team. I bounced around between the first and second team of ODP never quite solidifying my spot on the first team. I attended Region 3 ODP camp at age 14 and was fortunate to be scene by US Soccer Scouts, who then invited me to the U14 I.D. National Camp. From then on I attended every youth camp from age 14-23. I received my first Full National Team call up at 17 years old- Tom Sermani was the head coach at the time. I was seen by Stanford University at a U17 National Team camp and I ended up committing there May of my sophomore year of high school. I started all 4 years of my college career, won 3 pac-12 titles, Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year, 2nd Team All-American, and attended a Final Four. I was drafted pick #15 to the Houston Dash and solidified a starting role half way through my rookie season. 

2. Who is your favorite player of all time (to watch or play with and why)? 

My favorite player watching growing up was Briana Scurry and Hope Solo. Briana had one of the most iconic penalty shootout displays in all of soccer, which in turn brought home the World Cup to the US in 99'. I'll never forget the quote her coach told her before the shootout: "if you save one shot, you'll be a hero. If you save two, they'll build a statue for you". To this day and forever, penalties will always be my favorite moment of any futbol game, whether it's a shootout or run of play. I loved watching Hope because of her gamesmanship and the attitude she had once she took the field. Everyone knew how good she was and what she was capable of before she stepped on the field and that is something I greatly respect. After competing along side her in my own national team camps, I realized I could achieve the same athleticism and fear, if not more, than she had and that is what has pushed me to this day. The goal is to be the best in the world and Briana and Hope were the best in the world. 

3. You've recently been in the USWNT Camp - How was that experience for you? 

It's always a tremendous honor to wear the US colors. Everytime I am in a US camp I always just try and enjoy every moment I can, on or off the field. This roster was a mix of NWSL players and college players so the group was a bit different, but it was very refreshing being with new faces young and old. I was very pleased with how I performed and most importantly I had the most fun just competing with some of the best athletes in the college game and NWSL. 

4. What do you think is the most important advice you could give to a young player?

I would tell any young player, regardless of their skill level, to just have fun. Everyone can get caught up in making Team A, ODP, DA, etc. but at the end of the day, each player has to find what their own passion is, without their parents, without their friends, and strive to achieve that passion. Always try and get better every time the ball is at your feet or your at the field and in the long run you'll find joy in getting better. Always have fun and don't let people take away your joy. 

Lee Cullip