Roberts and the Reggae Girlz

Though she played high school soccer in Florida, Oklahoma soccer freshman Rasha Roberts comes from Jamaican heritage. When a call came two weeks ago inviting Roberts up to the Jamaican National Team, it was not entirely a surprise—but certainly still an honor.

Roberts was one of two NCAA collegiate athletes to be called up to the Reggae Girlz squad, which gathered for pre-tournament camp in Orlando, Fla., last week. SoonerSports.com caught up with the Sooner newcomer to hear about national team camp and preparations for the CONCACAF Women's Championship.

Q: When did you find out you were being called up to national team camp?
RR: I found out that I was being called up to the Jamaican National Team two weeks ago from my coach.

Q: What was your average day at team camp like?
RR: We woke up early in the morning for devotion, breakfast, and then we would get on our bus and head to the training field. We warmed up and did speed exercises like sprints. We would then work on shooting the ball, clearing the ball on the air, scrimmaging, working on attacks against us and finding ways to score. After that we would condition, stretch and then head back to the resort.

Q: Were you the only collegiate athlete there?
RR: I was not—Lauren Silver from the University of Florida was also there.

Q: You attended high school in Florida. What's your connection to Jamaica?
RR: Even though I played high school soccer in Florida, both of my parents are from Jamaica and I always established myself as a Jamaican. Being able to try out for the camp was a great honor for me.

Q: What was the best part about working out with the national team?
RR: The best part was not only the training I received but being able to meet new people and build a connection with them. Those are a group of girls I won't ever be forgetting.

Q: What was the most challenging part?
RR: The most challenging part would have to be competing with those girls, since they are the best of those in Jamaica, as well as finding a way to gel with new people and understand how they play soccer.

Q: What's next for you on the national scene?
RR: As of right now I will not be joining the national team because of conference games, but if they do qualify for the World Cup, I could be joining them if they call me again. I am more than likely going to join the U-20s to gain more national experience.

Rasha Roberts owns two goals on 11 shots this season, and has posted six starts in nine total appearances for the Sooners this season.