Jarzombek takes game internationally
8/23/2017 5:48:00 PM | Soccer
HUNTSVILLE – Jordan Jarzombek did not have to wait until after her collegiate career ended to figure out what came next. That did not mean it did not come as a surprise.
During her 2016 senior season, Sam Houston State head coach Tom Brown received a call from a member of the Polish FA who noticed Jordan's last name and began looking at her contributions to the team. The inquiry took the then-senior forward across the country and eventually the world.
“I went to Michigan and practiced and played with a group of girls for two weeks,” Jarzombek said. “It was a great experience and I hoped something would come from it. A year later I was called again to attend another camp in Poland this time. I happily accepted and was excited most about the opportunity because I was going international to play soccer which is a dream for most players.”
In Poland, Jarzombek played on the United Eagles F.C. The team was made up of 17 U.S. players from all over the country. That mixture created the biggest obstacle, albeit one that did not last long.
“At first the most challenging part was knowing that I was going and playing with 16 other girls who are mostly complete strangers to me,” Jarzombek said. “That challenge quickly faded because our level of play was all very similar. The most challenging part after that was trying to put together all the many ideas coming from each of us. Since we all share the same love we worked very well together when we put all our ideas together on the field.”
During her time there, Jarzombek experienced several notable team and individual highlights. The squad faced a pair of different teams including Medyk Konin – Poland's No. 1 ranked team. The United Eagles upset Medyk Konin, 1-0, and one game later, Jarzombek contributed a second-half goal.
“I think every player would like to have the chance to compete at the international level and for their country,” Brown said. “Jordan has had the chance to participate in a couple of national team camps where they can judge her ability to succeed at that level. All countries are beginning the process of qualifying for the 2019 World Cup in France. I hope that Jordan will have the opportunity to represent Poland in their upcoming games.”
While with the Bearkats, the Klein Oak High School product helped the program reach new heights. During her 2014 sophomore campaign, Sam Houston set a new program record for conference wins. A season later, her leadership helped lead the Kats to their first Southland Tournament title appearance in 10 years.
“Playing college soccer was a fast pace game,” Jarzombek said. “Playing in that environment for four years, it was easier to convert to playing at the higher level. It was hard in a sense of playing against a team that had played together for eight years compared to one day in our case. But as the trip furthered on, all of the players including myself grew closer which made playing much easier.”
Jarzombek admits that her future in soccer is uncertain at the moment but she is readying for any opportunity that may become available. The Spring native is in graduate school this fall at Sam Houston. According to Brown, Jarzombek's impact on the program has left a lasting impact.
“Jordan was one of my favorite players to have in all the teams I have coached,” Brown said. “I think she grew as a player and as a leader in her four years here.”
