Pride of Orlando: Getting to Know Jasmyne Spencer

Coming to the City Beautiful from the Western New York Flash via the fourth pick in the NWSL Expansion Draft with an off-season stop with Sydney FC in the W-League, was Bay Shore, N.Y. native, Jasmyne Spencer. The 5’1″ former Maryland Terrapins forward began her pro career when she was drafted in the now defunct Women’s Professional Soccer back in 2012 to the Philadelphia Independence.

We caught up with one of the new Pride players to get more information on her.

Q: You spent time in the W-League, how do you think that prepared you for the upcoming NWSL season?

A: Well, for one it keeps me game fit, you know it's a long off-season and I had the opportunity to get in quality games for four months, and it's definitely still competitive top to bottom, the league you know every game is. You don't necessarily go out there and beat a team four-zero. You know you have to compete in every game, so it's a lot of fun.

Q: So how did you decide to end up in the W-League?

A: So two seasons ago, there were three Australians on Western New York Flash, and they were 'You should really play over there' and Teigen Allen played for Sydney FC and she Facebook messaged me and said 'We need a forward' it was really last minute, but um I flew over there in 2014 and loved it so much I went back last year.

Q: Coming into a new team, what do you see your role as for the upcoming season?

A: I just want to help the team anyway I can. Obviously everyone wants to play as many minutes as possible, but in this sport it's good because even coming off the bench you can be an impact player. So whatever my role is that Tom and the staff decides I'll be happy to do what I get to do to help us win.

Q: And do you see the competition, obviously with Alex Morgan. How do you prepare for the competition; how does that drive you?

A: It's exciting.I mean all the forwards on this team have a little bit different strengths than I do, so I'm excited to learn from them and grow as a player and bring what I'm best at to the team as well.

Q: Finally, what are the toppings on your perfect pizza?

A: Oh! I'm like Plain Jane. I just like cheese, cheese and more cheese. (laughing)

You can follow Jasmyne Spencer on Twitter at @Jas_it_up and Instagram at jayspence3.

Spencer and the rest of the Pride get back to work on Monday then take on the University of Florida in a closed-door match Tuesday. The Pride’s first match is on the road in Portland on April 17 and the home opener against the Houston Dash is April 23 at 7:30 pm.