SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Jada Graham, who has committed to playing NCAA Division I soccer in 2025 at Florida Atlantic University. Graham plays travel soccer in the ECNL Girls for FC Prime.
Graham is a talented defender for FC Prime in the ECNL.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to commit to Florida Atlantic?
Jada Graham: I decided to commit to Florida Atlantic because of a few reasons. I explored going out of state but I realized I only wanted to consider options close to home at the highest level possible. It’s important to me to give my family the opportunity to watch me play. Coach Baker and the staff run a great program. I love the campus and the challenge of the AAC conference. I believe I can help impact the games right away and develop to my best potential under Coach Baker.
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
JG: My recruiting process was challenging in the beginning. I was taking calls and zooms with coaches but I really didn’t know what I actually wanted. I thought about different schools but until they actually expressed interest and it’s time to make decisions I really didn’t know what to do. So I decided to take my time, get lots of advice from my coaches, family and friends who were committing. I wrote down exactly what I was looking for at the next level and narrowed down my list.
SW: When did you first start playing defender and what do you like most about the position?
JG: I first started playing defender around U12/U13, one of my coaches decided to try me at center back because of my pace. I didn’t think I would like it at first but I realized I really love a good tackle! Then my role evolved into an outside back and I love make overlapping runs and getting balls into the box.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
JG: My favorite subjects in school are marketing and business. In college, I am undecided on my major but I am very interested in exercise science.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
JG: Outside of soccer I am in the gym.
SW: What are your favorite pair of cleats that you have ever owned?
JG: My custom Nike Mercurial Superflys, each season I pick new colors. It will be hard to get me in another type of cleat!
SW: What has your experience been like playing for FC Prime?
JG: My experience has been great, everyone from my teammates to the coaching staff have been really supportive. Looking forward to this next half of the season.
SW: Your backline has been one of the top defenses in the ECNL-why do you believe that you all have been so successful in such a tough conference and league?
JG: We have a really experienced group on the backline and a very good goalkeeper. How we communicate I believe is what makes the defense successful. Our rotation is strong too, which is very helpful in a long season and in tough games.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play defender what would it be?
JG: Defense wins championships. Learn the game from the backline and if you evolve into an attacking player great. But I think it’s important to understand the game from the back.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
JG: I’d like to thank my family who have been very supportive through this journey. Coach Patrick Chin who helped me develop at an early age, Coach Jerome Samuels who saw my potential and helped develop me get to this level and Coach Alan Hough for guiding me into this next stage.
