Aug. 23, 2010

BERKELEY - While many Cal students were lounging by the pool, taking summer school or interning, junior Jamia Reid was busy on the field. Reid played with the U.S. Futures national team for several games. Most recently, Reid and Cal teammate Valerie Arioto traveled to Japan for the Japan Cup, which the U.S. delegation won. Upon her return to the States, CalBears.com caught up with Reid to find out what that trip was like.

CalBears.com: You played with the Futures team several times before making the trip to Japan. How did playing with a non-Cal team help prepare you for the Japan trip?
JR: In getting the opportunity to play with the Futures team, I had to learn fast. We did not have that many opportunities to practice together. But when we did get the chance to practice, it was as if we had been playing with one another all year long. When I went to Japan, it was like a whole new team because there were members of the national team and a few from the Futures team. With the Japan team, I definitely had to learn even more quickly.

CalBears.com: What was it like to be representing the United States on the international stage?
JR: It was great being able to represent USA. Many girls dream of it, and I am thankful to get this kind of opportunity.

CalBears.com: What was it like to share the Futures experience and the Japan Cup with your fellow Bear Valerie Arioto?
JR: It was great. I have played with a few of the girls on the Futures team, so it was another plus to have Val there with me. She definitely helped me in Japan because she went last year and the warm-ups were different than on the Futures team.

CalBears.com: Describe your overall experience in Japan - what was the entire trip like?
JR: The traveling involved a lot of sitting. It was an 11-hour plane ride there plus a seven-hour bus ride to get to the hotel. On the way back, it was another seven-hour bus ride to get to the airport and 10-hour plane ride to get back to the States. The weather was hot and really humid. I remember the first time I stepped off the bus, I felt like someone was pushing down on my chest. But I can say I am happy to be back in Berkeley. I chose my food based on looks, which is the best way to go with someone like me who is slightly picky. I ate rice and vegetables for lunch and dinner. I had cereal for breakfast. I had McDonald's twice, and it was delicious. I never really eat McDonald's either, unless I want an apple pie. I would go back to Japan for softball, but not for a vacation because I am not a big sushi person. But overall I had a great experience.

CalBears.com: Although you were with Valerie Arioto, you weren't playing with your twin sister, Elia. What was that like?
JR: I don't think it's so much about not playing with her. It's just that I like having her around. Not everyone gets to play with their twin sister in college or even have a sister. I think I just got really lucky. I am just very used to having her around me. When I went to Ohio with the Futures team towards the beginning of the summer, it was really hard. But by Oklahoma, it wasn't that bad. I figured Japan would be my last trip away. But we talked every day so it made it a little better.

CalBears.com: How, if at all, do you think your play this summer will affect your season with the Bears?
JR: I have definitely learned a few tricks while playing with the USA program. I got to work with different players and coaching staffs. I really enjoyed my time overall this summer. I hope to bring back what I learned to my game this season.

CalBears.com: What's next on your schedule?
JR: Well I just moved into my new apartment, so I am just trying to settle in and relax. School starts later this week, too.