Goochland Schools Photo
“I learned that when someone says you can't do something, it's really just a challenge,” said BRVGS student Jackie Tremain. She recently signed a letter of intent to play D1 softball with James Madison University (JMU) next year, which has been her dream.
To achieve her softball goal, she’s had to overcome obstacles. “I had numerous coaches tell me I was too short, being only 5'3”, to ever play at a division 1 level. I also had numerous coaches tell me that I didn't throw hard enough. Although I couldn't do much about my height I learned to work with it. I learned to move the ball around instead of blow it past people.” Jackie is a pitcher, who has played softball for 12 years and pitched for the last 10.
She said time management, as well as balancing athletics and academics have been her biggest challenges. “I just have to make sure I have my priorities straight. School comes first and softball second. Softball can only last so long but my education is what is going to make me successful for the rest of my life.” But Jackie also noted how these two areas of her life enhance each other. “Playing softball has taught me to work well with others on a team, which helps during team Blue Ridge [Governor’s School] projects. Softball has also built my confidence which is a huge component in presenting Blue Ridge projects.”
Although both of her parents went to JMU, Jackie said they didn’t influence her decision to choose JMU. But she did emphasize the impact of their support in her life. “I would not be where I am today without my parents. They push me to never be satisfied with where I am. They are the main reason I have reached any of my goals and the main reason I will reach any of my future goals. They are the reason I have never given up and they are the reason I strive to be a better person.”
Jackie, a senior at Goochland High School, is the daughter of Dena and Theodore Tremain of Manakin-Sabot. Currently a senior at Goochland High School, Jackie will be majoring in kinesiology and plans to be a sports medicine doctor and orthopedic surgeon.