Amy Jackson hopes experience with Australian national team leads to breakout season

By: Chris Green / Staff Writer
Before starting her senior year, Amy Jackson had the opportunity to measure her skills against some of the best players from her native Australia.

Playing among 26 of the best soccer players from one’s home country may have been intimidating, but for the Australian-born Jackson, it served as a stepping stone to a greater goal of one day representing her nation in international play.

The three-day camp was designed to help prepare the Australian national team for the Asian Football Confederation Women’s Asian Cup 2010, which serves as a qualifying tournament for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Germany. Jackson got the invite to become one of 26 players to participate.

“Some of the players were Olympians, some have played at a really high level, and that experience was really good, and I’m hoping to just transfer what I’ve learned to FIU and have a big season,” said Jackson. “You’ve got to react faster, and keep thinking that one step ahead.”

Having already competed for the Australian under-20 national team in 2007, Jackson believes that this experience will be something that she can use for a long time as she continues her life’s dream of playing with the elite.

“My aspirations are to be a national team player, and hopefully if things continue the way that they are then one day I’ll achieve that.”

When Coach Tom Sermanni called Jackson to join the practices, she jumped at the opportunity to play with the Australian national women’s soccer team, nicknamed the Matildas.

“I arrived home over the summer and I got contacted by the national coach [Tom Sermanni],” she said. “I went to two of their national camps. I played up against some of the best players in my country.”

FIU coach Thomas Chestnutt feels that Jackson’s time in Australia has changed her mental views on the game for the better.

“It’s given her a bit more confidence in her play,” Chestnutt said. “She has a bit more of a sharper edge in her game on game day, and that has been a big help to the team. Confidence is everything in the world of sports.”

## Starting off right

Many of the national players are currently in the United States. So there were some open spots for Jackson to practice with the team. She’s been living in the U.S. since she started playing for FIU in 2007.

For Jackson, moving to America was a brand new experience that brought with it many opportunities for the future.

“When I first came to America, I didn’t know what to expect,” said Jackson. “Thankfully, all the girls were really welcoming and I found a home away from home straight away.”

Jackson’s FIU career started off with a goal in her first career game, playing against in-state rival Florida Gulf Coast University. Since then, she has tallied two more, but hopes to raise that number this season.

“That was awesome and I was ecstatic. Unfortunately I haven’t scored too many after that, but hopefully this season, I can capitalize on my opportunities.”

Since her arrival, Jackson has quickly established herself as a team favorite.
“I’ve done a bit of traveling with a few of the girls,” said Jackson. “Co-captain Marina [Pappas], Linn [Thune], and I went to Jamaica for spring break which was incredible. I consider some of the girls on the team to be my best friends now, which is pretty amazing.”
Teammate Victoria Miliucci sees a complete turnaround in Jackson’s play and feels that the team is better because of it.
“There’s a total difference from last year,” Miliucci said. “It’s good to see. She always works hard, is kind of quiet, but you can see her work ethic and intensity all the time when she is on the field. You can tell she loves it.”

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