Meet the Player: Q & A with Jess Jones
Jess Jones has been Miller for longer than most and is now an integral part of manager Pete Jarvis’s squad. She revealed all about her teammates, ambitions and inspirations. Leo Sousa posed the questions.
Who is your footballing idol? I never grew up watching players or even teams. The reason I got into football was because of my dad and I used to enjoy watching his team play, so my dad would have to be my idol.
What is your favourite memory in Rotherham shirt? It would have to be playing at the New York Stadium last season. I’ve been part of the club since the age of eight and was always something we dreamed of. It was definitely the best experience being able to do that in front of over 1,000 fans and hopefully we get a chance to do that again.
Which team do you support? Leeds United
If you were stuck on a desert island, which teammate would you want by your side? Maybe Lori (Lori-Anne Tart) She’s like the mum of the team and I feel like I could rely on her to keep me alive the longest.
Who has the best fashion sense in the team? This is a toss-up between two. Lauren (Winter) has nice going out outfits but if it had to be all round, definitely Dina (Sarayreh).
During training in the small-sided games, who do you want on your team? And who don’t you want to face? I wouldn’t say there is anyone in particular as they all have their different abilities to look for. I would only say Rach (Rachel Hale) is the person you don’t want on the other team as she tends to cheat every now and then!
Who is the funniest teammate in the changing room? I would have to say Halima (Essa) is the one that makes us all laugh the most with some of the things she says.
In what ways does the team engage the local community? We have done many different appearances to help promote the team. I have been into schools and done reading activities with the kids, and some other small events. Everyone likes to pitch in where they can in between personal and football commitments.
What makes playing for this team special? We all seem to get along and want to earn the chance to wear the badge, which means the level of ability is always high. I always feel that if anyone is feeling down about performance or anything like that, the team finds a way to help and there’s not many teams I’ve been in that are like that all the time.
Do you have any inspirations for your football career beyond this current season? My dream was always to play in the States ever since and this is something I have already accomplished. It was the best two- year experience but now I’m happy just playing for this badge and seeing where Rotherham Women goes.
If you could swap positions with a teammate for the day, who would it be? It would have to be Dina (Sarayreh) at right back. This was my old position before moving to the wing so at least I’d feel comfortable there
Who is the team prankster? 100% Rach. Whenever Rach is in her playful mood, everyone watches their backs and even checks bags and cars to make sure she hasn’t been up to anything. She has a learner plate that likes to make an appearance every now again, but at least we always know who to blame when something does happen.
Who is the best dancer in the team? I wouldn’t say anyone is a stand out “good” dancer, but Lauren (Winter) is always giving it a good go in the training room, which seems to lift spirits before kick off.
Where do you see the team in the next few years?
Hopefully, one or even two promotions will have happened for us in the next few years as I feel like everyone deserves that kind of recognition for all the work we put in. Hopefully, there is still a lot of the same faces helping this to happen.
28 March 2024
