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November 'Player on FIRE'

11/23/2015, 8:00am EST
By Dwight Morgan

Congratulations to Jill Dempsey - Collier County Middle School Cross Country Champion

The Florida Fire Juniors very own Jillian (Jill) Dempsey of the U14 Girls Select team took first place in every Collier County middle school cross country meet this season, clinching the 1st place seat in the Championship. Dempsey went on to compete in the State competition held on November 1, 2015 in Lakeland, FL, coming in 40th out of approximately 310 athletes.

As an 8th grade student at East Naples Middle School, this was Jill’s first season participating in cross country. She believes that both sports (soccer and cross country) are helping her become a well-rounded athlete. “I know for sure without soccer, I would not have gotten 1st place in any of the races” Jill says, and that cross country has also helped her with her play on the field. “At the beginning of preseason, I was not that fast and did not have the endurance that I have today. Now I can not only survive a whole game, I can run fast throughout the whole game and stay focused without getting very tired.”

As a third year Fire player, cross country is now a very important part of Jill’s training. “After winning the County Championship, I think that I will proceed with my cross country career in high school.” Congratulations on your achievement and keep up the hard work! Way to go Jill and we hope you can be an inspiration to our athletes in the years ahead!

 

'Meet Jill Dempsey'

Favorite Food: My favorite food has to be pasta with tomato sauce! This is the meal that would get me carbs the day before the race so I can have a lot of energy the next day.

Favorite Team: I love the Seattle Sounders, MLS team. They are my favorite team to watch because the fans are by far the most enthusiastic and have a marching band. Also my favorite player is on the team.

Favorite Player: My favorite soccer player is Clint Dempsey. He is one of America’s best players and I think he is the toughest player on the field and has some pretty cool moves. I also really like Megan Rapinoe on the USWNT, who recently won the Women's World Cup in Canada.

Favorite Color: My favorite color has to be blue. I don't know why, I think it's because it is just a cool color, and It's the color of the USA jerseys right now!!

Favorite Position: My favorite position to play is very hard to pick. I usually play left defense, which I have grown in to since last season. I have traveled all over the field to different positions throughout the seasons, but I like the feeling of scoring a goal.  One of the best parts of scoring a goal is seeing your whole team cheering you on and running down the field doing a celebration dance for the hard work you and your team have been doing through-out the game. I am looking forward to trying out new positions this season!!

Thank you for sharing your story with us Jill and we wish you all the best!!

 

**By Lisa Lewis Florida Fire Juniors Media Liaison. [email protected]**

Tag(s): Press Room