LHS Senior Soccer Captain: Jamie Greenman The Total Package

THE WOODLANDS, TX -- Welcome to the first installment of the Longmeadow High School Student/Athlete of the Month.

This month's subject is the total package as she embodies the very description of what it takes to be a student athlete. A student athlete excels in both academics and athletics and is a good example to those around them on and off the field. Do you need to be the captain of the team you play on? No, but it doesn't hurt and, in this case, the subject actually is.

You'll never see a profile on here scribed about a person solely because of how they perform in the athletic arena alone. Is the student social? Selfless? In other words, do they go through life caring for others or do they walk around like they are God's gift to the planet?

When talking about Longmeadow High School senior soccer captain, Jamie Greenman, her qualities come out quickly. Inside and outside family sources shared how Jamie has always been thoughtful and kind. In the athletic arena Jamie is a competitive soccer player. She pushes herself to the limit, always striving for excellence. However, it is off the field where Jamie's true character shines through. She is not only a great athlete but also an incredible daughter, sister and friend. Jamie's kindness and compassion are unmatched, always going out of her way to support and uplift those around her and helping them in times of need. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing words of encouragement, or making you laugh, Jamie's genuine care for the people in her life is evident in every action she takes. Oh, and her smile can light up a room!

So, does a young person just suddenly become an awesome person by osmosis? Far from it! It's always multiple reasons, but I'll give you two huge ones. Jamie's parents are the salt of the earth. Upon meeting Tim and Carri Greenman, you instantly feel welcome and notice how unassuming they are. If you're interested in really finding out what a person is like, talk to their parents for five minutes. It's not about where someone grows up. It's about who raised them and Jamie's parents get it.
Let's get to know Jamie...

1) How long have you been playing soccer? How did you become interested in soccer? What other sports did you play growing up?

I first started playing soccer when I was about five years old. My dad's family was a huge soccer family so it was a big part of my life growing up. I played on this one team, Holy Cross, for nine years which is where I developed my love for soccer and continued afterwards by playing club and continuing town soccer. I’ve played many other sports such as lacrosse, track and swimming, but soccer has always been my favorite.

2) Describe the 2023 LHS soccer team and why you enjoy playing for the Lancers?

Playing soccer at Longmeadow High School has been my favorite part of the school year every year. This year we have had our best season yet, with our record being 11-2-2. Our team is a big group of versatile and hardworking girls who challenge each other every day because we are all working towards the same goal. Practices are always intense and it is truly the reason why we are having so much success this year. I have made countless amounts of memories through high school soccer and have created so many friendships from it. I even got to play with my younger sister, Cameron, for my last two years of high school soccer which has been so much fun.

3) Do you like attending LHS?

Yes. LHS is a very competitive school in sports and academics. It has taught me time management and has always pushed me to work my hardest. The best thing, in my opinion, is the connection of students; always supporting sports teams and participating in school related activities.

4) What colleges are you looking into attending? Do you know what your field of study will be?

I recently have verbally committed to play D-2 soccer at Southern Connecticut State University where I hope to study nursing.

5) What do you hope to be doing after you graduate from college?

After I graduate from college I hope to become a travel nurse, where I can travel around for a few years to visit many places. Then I would like to settle down, and work at a hospital.

6) What do you enjoy doing away from school and soccer?

I am a very family and friend oriented person. When I am away from school or soccer I will either be hanging out with my friends or with my family.

7) Who is your role model for soccer?

My role model has always been Alex Morgan. I look up to her strength and her work ethic, which is how I strive to play.

8) Describe how supportive your family is in everything you do in your life.

My family has and always will be my biggest supporters.
Without question I know my parents will always be there for me to offer support, advice and guidance throughout my whole life. I am so thankful for my parents and all they have done for me. My mother who has had to drive me to and from every practice and game until I could drive, and my father who was my personal videographer; never missing a goal.

9) If you were given a million dollars and had to give it to one charity, which one would you choose and why?

I would choose to donate to the Make A Wish Foundation. I love being able to help people and I feel like donating to this organization will have the most impact on people who need it.

10) Three things that people don't know about you.

My favorite color is pink

I was born in Long Island

My favorite energy drink is Alani

12) What is your favorite song in your phone now? Do you have a favorite group?

My favorite music artist is SZA, but my favorite song right now is Run This Town by Rhianna.

13) Your favorite movie of all time.

My favorite movie is the Grinch, both the live action and cartoon version.

14) If you were sentenced to death but you were allowed to go on one last date, who would the lucky guy be?

I would definitely choose Neymar.

15) When is the last time you danced? You any good?

The last time I danced was on the bus ride home from our 1-0 win against Minnechaug. We blasted music the whole ride back to Longmeadow and my whole team was singing and dancing to it. I am not any good but it is fun, especially after a win!

16) What are your thoughts on sports specialization at a young age?

I think it is important to be diversified in all aspects of life. I personally prefer playing multiple sports because it forces me to use different parts of my body and I love to stay active. Playing multiple sports is beneficial and will help you figure out your priorities until you narrow it down and focus on one. I think younger children should be introduced to different sports until they are old enough to decide if they want to continue or stop. My parents were very supportive in this area.

Let's see what LHS head soccer coach, Gina Pantuosco has to say about Jamie...

"As a senior captain Jamie Greenman has been essential to our team's success and is a strong leader both on and off the field. Her work ethic is contagious and she raises the level of play every time she steps on the field. She's kind and supportive of her teammates but is also a fierce competitor. Our team has had much success over the last four years because of Jamie's contributions to the team. Jamie also serves as a role model within the community. Youth players come to games to watch her play and hope to become the talented player she is someday. Jamie has worked with many of these youth players at their practices and in team clinics. The youth players, my daughter included, have learned a great deal from Jamie about perseverance, resilience and how to compete with grit and grace.

We're so lucky to have had Jamie be a part of our program and can't wait to see what she makes of the next phase of her journey."

As of this writing, Pantuosco's team has won their first three postseason games defeating Agawam, East Longmeadow and West Springfield to take the western Massachusetts crown. The state playoffs are next. Jamie plans on making her final season here in Longmeadow a memorable one. One thing is for sure, she will give every ounce of everything she has stored inside of her to help the team go as far as they can. She and the team will be making lifelong memories within this next few weeks.

Maybe Neymar will come watch if the team makes it to the show.

Regardless of how this season turns out, Jamie's time here will have been well spent and her grace will be remembered forever.