FAIRFAX, Va. – George Mason midfielder Milan Pierre-Jerome qualified for the FIFA 2023 Women's World Cup representing Haiti. This is Haiti's first-ever appearance at a Women's World Cup.

With only three spots left to fill in the 32-team field, the Caribbean Island nation had to qualify by traveling to Auckland, New Zealand, and win the final two games at FIFA's interconfederation playoffs. Les Grenadières, as the team is called, went on to win those final two games, first beating Senegal 4-0 and then Chile 2-1. 

The Washington Post released their own story of Milan and Haiti's success, and it can be read here.

Mason Athletics had a chance as well to sit down with their very own Patriot to learn more about her experience and what is in store in the very near future:  

First off, congratulations! How did it feel when you heard that whistle blow for the final time?

• "It was an amazing feeling, honestly. It was amazing to do that for our country and seeing all of my teammates – who I call sisters – smile. Just to see our hard work that started last year unfold like that was an amazing feeling."

What did qualifying for the World Cup mean to you?

• "For me, being able to achieve both not only my dream but my father's dream of representing Haiti in the World Cup meant so much to me. My father was the goalkeeper for Haiti during the qualification rounds for the 1994 World Cup, and they unfortunately came up short in their bid. Ever since he told me that story, I told him that I would qualify for the both of us, so making it to the World Cup was a surreal moment. This is my way of continuing the Pierre-Jerome legacy, which has been a blessing."

What was the selection process like? How was it training with the national team?

• "It started when I was a freshman in high school. When I was 14, I went to Haiti for two weeks and went on trial. This meant eating with the team, practicing with the team and getting acclimated with the training environment and how the other girls played. It was definitely a nerve-racking experience, but I went into the process with the mindset of having fun and being confident in my play style without stressing over it. Once I was able to see that I could play with them and be a factor on the team, it gave me the confidence to continue and strive towards my goals even more. I have been on the team for over five years now."

Were there any players that you knew on the team already?

• "A good number of my sisters have been on the team since I was younger. We have been able to grow our relationships on and off the field during these last few years, which has been beneficial for our team chemistry."

How was the trip? What did you think of New Zealand?

• "It was very long! I am still jet lagged. It was a really cool experience to travel that far out and be 18 hours ahead of everyone else. That meant I had to be disciplined with my sleep schedule and to go to sleep when I had to. This meant no TV, turning off all the lights and actually putting my head on the pillow. It wasn't that difficult; at that point, you knew what you needed to do and there was a purpose behind all of this." 

Bringing it back to Fairfax: Did your training at George Mason help you set yourself up for this opportunity? If so, how?

• "Definitely! I did extra workouts with my strength and conditioning coach because I wanted to keep my speed training up from when I came back from winter break. Being surrounded by my Patriot team environment was amazing because it was them that would constantly uplift me and tell me to keep pushing. They would constantly tell me things like, "Milan, you got this! Keep going!" Not only were my teammates helping me, but being able to learn from my coaches kept giving me more confidence in myself."

With the World Cup coming this summer, what is your mindset going to be from now until your first game?

• "Be my best, do my best and do whatever I can to perform everyday for our team. Right now it's being on 'Go' mode and preparing myself to be the best player I can be come July."

Milan Pierre-Jerome, Haiti, and the rest of the FIFA Women's World Cup will take place in Australia and New Zealand this summer from July 20 to August 20, 2023. Haiti's first match will be on Saturday, July 22, at 5:30 a.m., when Les Grenadières will take on England.