‘SHE’S MY ROCK!’
Sashana “Pete” Campbell has had a storied career lined with challenges along the way, some of which she acknowledges she wouldn’t have overcome without the help of her mother Carol Davis.
In fact, the senior Reggae Girl is adamant that her entire career would not have been possible without the matriarch in her life, whose love, tenderness and unwavering support, has been the drive and motivation that fuels her success.
“My mother is a huge part of my career. She is my absolute rock. Most of the disappointment and failures I endure throughout my career is because of her, I just cannot fail because of her,” Campbell declared.
“My success is her success. She may not have attended alot of my games, but she was always interested in knowing if I played well or how it went down. Simply put, who I am today is because of her,” she told the Jamaica Observer.
Campbell, the last of three children and the only female of the lot, recalled how her mother encouraged her participation in sports growing up, but beyond that, instilled lessons of humility, social duty, self-discipline and respect.
“There are few things she might have held us back from, but anything to do with sports, especially football, was not one. I grew up playing with boys and my mother never once said I cannot go to a training or just a regular ball game in the community. She knew that it was my favourite thing to do,” Campbell said.
“My mom was always caring, giving, loving and very respectful to anyone that she comes across. She instilled values, love and discipline in her children and because of that, I don’t think she ever worried about us going down the wrong path. If she did, it wasn’t evident,” she added.
It is for this very reason why the versatile player wears her heart and faith on her sleeves both on and off the field in different parts of world.
From Darton College and the University of West Florida to Iceland, Israel, even the Fifa Women’s World Cup in France 2019, and now Poland, the 31-year-old makes it clear for all to see.
“Those lessons remain a part of me and a big part of my career path. Being humble, disciplined, committed and respectful are maybe my biggest character traits on and off the field. I consider myself very blessed and grateful to have such an incredible mother,” Campbell said.
“She supported me in everything and at all levels. I remember the first time I was given a scholarship to attend high school overseas, she was so happy, but then after consideration, the protective side kicked in and she just could not have her only daughter travel by herself to another country. That was the first time I saw a bit of worry about my career in her.
“A few years later, she was still scared but more prepared to watch me travel abroad for college, because I was now a big girl. She has shaped me in so many ways,” she recollected from her base in Poland.
Though she is seven hours ahead in the Central European country, the Reggae Girlz defender pointed out that the time difference has had little effect on the level of communication with her mother.
In other words, for Campbell, distance means so little when someone means everything.
“I still talk to her every single day. I often get mad at her for not calling me throughout the day and her response would always be “but Pete I don’t know if you are busy, so I just wait until you call me”.
“If I don’t hear from her throughout the day, I worry a lot. If I call and don’t get her, I call everyone I know that can reach her and she would let me know that she is okay. She is my comfort, my biggest supporter and bestfriend,” the soft-spoken player noted.
She continued: “She encourages me to just do my best and everything else will come. Every chance she gets I’m guaranteed and inspiring word as she ensures I’m never overwhelmed.
“She is big on ‘what you think is best for you at the moment’ kind of person. She trust that my experiences and knowledge over the years will help me to make both small and tough decisions. “
And with today being celebrated as Mother’s Day, Campbell, unable to be on the ground in Manchester, where her mother resides, shared a glowing tribute.
“To my mom, I just want to wish a happy Mother’s Day. Thank you so much for everything you do and is still doing for me. You are amazing! All that I am and hope to be, I owe to you. To the world you are a mother, but to me and our family, you are the world. I love you so much,” she ended.