Jaden Masters On Retirement And More
[Written by Stephen Wright]
Jaden Masters has reflected on her football career after prematurely calling time on her decorated playing days because of persistent injuries.
Masters, one of Bermuda’s most talented women’s players, hung up her boots after Bermuda’s 8-0 home defeat to Costa Rica in a Concacaf W Championship qualifier in March.
She said she has taken comfort from knowing she retired on her “own terms” and is at peace with her difficult decision.
“I gave it my all and was able to step away knowing I’ll still be a part of the game from a different perspective,” Masters told Bernews.
“It’s been on my mind for years, but I wasn’t ready. I wanted to finish on my own terms given my history of injuries.
“It didn’t end the way I wanted it to [against Costa Rica], but I was able to finish in front of the home fans and my family.
“I kept it quiet because I didn’t want the focus to be on me – I wanted it to be on the job we had to do.”
The 23-year-old, who tore her ACL [anterior cruciate ligament] four times and underwent six knee surgeries, enjoyed success at both international and collegiate level.
Among her international highlights were scoring twice in a 2-0 home win over the Dominican Republic in a W Gold Cup qualifier in 2023 — the first time Bermuda had beaten the regional heavyweights — and helping Bermuda win the gold medal at the International Island Games in Orkney, Scotland, last summer.
She also scored the winning penalty in a 2-1 victory over the Isle of Man in the final.
“It was my first Island Games, so to go there and score the winning penalty in the final was a great moment,” she said.
“Representing my country is nothing I take lightly – it’s something I’m proud to have done.”
Masters has already obtained her coaching D licence and has lofty ambitions in management.
After helping the University of Louisiana at Monroe reach the final of the Sun Belt Championship, where they lost 1-0 to Texas State, Masters is now interning as an assistant coach while studying for a master’s degree in Sports Management and Performance.
“When it comes to coaching, it takes time and you need to be around the right people,” Masters said.
“Hopefully, one day I can carry on [former Bermuda women's national team] coach Naquita’s [Robinson's] legacy and coach Bermuda.
“That will take time, and I’m willing to take the steps to get there.
“I don’t think she gets the credit she deserves. She did what a lot of people can’t do and was able to lay out the blueprint for us to follow in her footsteps.”
Masters, who will hold summer training sessions for players aged eight and above next month, also spoke about the importance of mental health in sport.
“Mental health is a big thing, especially in sport, and I’ve definitely had my ups and downs,” she added.
“I’ve been there when you bottle everything up and then crash.
“It’s OK to reach out to somebody. Any player who wants to talk can reach out to me – I’m free and open.
“Somebody will have my contact details and I’m always happy to help anyone who needs it.”
