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Jayme Morrison
Takoma Park Diva rocks DC football
BY JANICE PARK
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She was
the little girl that could be seen playing football
with the boys on Takoma fielda time and a place where
kids were allowed to have fun and just be kids. This
is the loving atmosphere that Jayme Morrison so fondly
remembers.
From her days at Takoma Park Elementary to far beyond
her Montgomery Blair High School days, Morrison says
Takoma Park is the village that raised and shaped her.
She is a poet, a motivational speaker, and most recently,
a member of the woman's football team the DC Divas.
Nicknamed "Rookie" by the team, Morrison
has helped the Divas crush their last opponent the Eerie
Illusions by a score of 74-7 to bring their record to
5-0. Whether playing right or left offensive guard,
she always implements her work ethic to work hard, play
hard, and hit hard, every play.
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Morrison says that people are always amazed after watching
their first game. "People are really fooled. They can't
believe it's women playing until the helmets come off. They
are amazed at just how hard we hit," she says.
And the Divas, with their undefeated record are hitting their
way to what the team calls the "ship," or championship.
Morrison says they will bring nothing short of the "ship"
back home.
This confidence is in part due to the fact that Morrison
is no stranger to success. While at Blair High School, she
wrote, directed, produced, nad acted in a stage play, with
the help of her teacher Diane Swift. The play "Young
Sisters and Brothers in Society," examined a problem
facing all young people, the difficult transition from high
school to adulthood.
A celebrated poet who has performed on Showtime at the Apollo
several times, Morrison brought her talent back home right
after September 11, 2001. She got together with the musical
group Drop Step and Xquisite to share poetry, world music,
and reggae to a full house at Taliano's in Old Town Takoma
Park. She fondly remembers the reaction of Taliano's owner:
"He was just so happy that there was a crowd, since so
many people had stopped coming because of the tragedy."
Morrison is truly grateful for her experience growing up
in Takoma Parkgetting help with her technique in basketball
at the rec center from Matt, Calvin, or Ray; listening to
the Takoma Park Police officers who took time out to give
a few pointers on life; spending her Thursday nights playing
basketball and pool at "girl's night" at the fire
station.
"Being able to feel like you are wanted as a child is
very important," she says. And the Takoma Park community
showed her that people besides your parents and family can
have love for you. It is a place that takes care of its kids.
And all of this has been a big influence on Jayme's performance
now. She hopes that this community that has supported her
so much will come and support the Divas June 7, in their next
game against the Columbus Flames.
For game location and more information about
the Divas, visit www.dcdivas.com.
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