Finding Her Home: Jasiah Pack’s Journey Leads to National Recognition
10/16/2026 3:45:00 PM | Soccer
CHARLESTON, S.C. -- Jasiah Pack needed less than six minutes to turn an already memorable afternoon into one of the defining performances of her collegiate career.
The Citadel graduate forward broke a 1-1 tie at Western Carolina with a goal at the 83:58 mark. She scored again less than three minutes later before finding the back of the net for a third time at 89:29, completing a hat trick and putting the finishing touches on a 4-1 comeback victory for the Bulldogs.
Only after the third goal did the moment begin to sink in.
"Honestly, the biggest thing I remember is celebrating with my teammates," Pack said. "The whole experience felt like a fever dream. Everything happened so quickly that I didn't even have time to process what I had just accomplished. After scoring that third goal, I remember thinking, 'Wow, did I really just do that?'"
The performance earned Pack Southern Conference Offensive Player of the Week honors. Days later, it brought another distinction as Pack was selected to the TopDrawerSoccer Division I Women's National Team of the Week, placing her among a select group of players recognized nationwide across Division I soccer.
For Pack, the honor represented far more than one afternoon in Cullowhee.
"I was honestly so excited and thrilled," Pack said. "Receiving national recognition at the Division I level is such an incredible honor, especially when I think about how far I've come throughout my college career. I've faced a lot of challenges and obstacles along the way, but I've never stopped believing in myself or working toward my goals."
Pack said the opportunity to earn the recognition while wearing a Citadel uniform made it even more meaningful.
"This recognition means so much more to me than just an individual accomplishment because it represents everything I've overcome to get here," Pack said. "Being able to achieve something like this while representing The Citadel, a place that truly feels like home, makes it even more special."
Finding Where She Belongs
That feeling of finding a home has been at the center of Pack's breakout season.
Through 15 matches, Pack has scored 10 goals and added five assists for a team-leading 25 points. Her 10 goals this season alone match her career total entering the 2026 campaign.
Ask Pack what changed, however, and she does not point toward one tactical adjustment or breakthrough moment.
"I don't think anything necessarily clicked for me this season," Pack said. "I think I just finally found where I belong. I've always believed that Division I was the level I was meant to compete at, and being here has only reinforced that belief."
For Pack, confidence has grown from having coaches and teammates who believe in her ability.
"I have coaches who believe in me, teammates who believe in me, and an environment where I feel supported and confident enough to go out and give everything I have," Pack said. "When you're surrounded by people who genuinely believe in your abilities, it brings out a different side of you."
🎙️ | POSTGAME SoCon points leader Jasiah Pack talks about the Bulldogs' five-goal effort, opening conference play with a win and the team's continued momentum. #𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 https://t.co/zP0rACM2XU
— 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙄𝙏𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙇 𝙎𝙊𝘾𝘾𝙀𝙍 (@CitadelWSoccer) September 18, 2026
Head coach Ciaran Traquair has seen that impact since Pack arrived in Charleston.
"Jasiah has been a breath of fresh air since arriving at the program," Traquair said. "She typifies what we want in a graduate transfer. She is hard-working, humble and positive, and she has an inner drive and belief that she can make an impact every day. She has been a real handful in the SoCon and has already reached double figures in goals this season. We are proud to have her as part of our program."
Pack's relationship with Traquair began well before she became a Bulldog.
Growing up in South Carolina, Pack knew Traquair through the Olympic Development Program. When the opportunity eventually came to play for him at The Citadel, she knew where she wanted to finish her collegiate career.
"I've known Coach Ciaran for years through ODP and growing up in South Carolina, so when he reached out, I knew immediately I wanted to play for him," Pack said. "He saw my potential and believed I could make an impact here."
Pack also credits her family and trainer John Rahn with helping prepare her for the opportunity. Over the previous two seasons, she said Rahn helped transform her mentality while providing the preparation and confidence she needed to compete at the Division I level.
"Having an entire coaching staff who wholeheartedly believes in me has given me the confidence and freedom to go out, trust my abilities and give everything I have," Pack said. "Sometimes all an athlete needs is someone who truly believes in them, and I've been fortunate enough to have people like that throughout my journey."
Work Beyond the Pitch
That work ethic extends well beyond the soccer field.
Along with graduate classes and the daily demands of Division I athletics, Pack works with The Citadel's Facilities & Engineering staff, helping maintain the campus through groundskeeping and maintenance.
Her usual workload includes mowing, trimming bushes, cutting trees and handling whatever projects need attention around campus.
For Pack, the job provides something different from the constant demands of soccer.
"I've always been an early riser, so I really enjoy getting up and getting started before the day gets busy," Pack said. "There's something peaceful about being outside in the early morning."
Pack said the time outdoors has become a way for her to reset mentally.
"Being a Division I student-athlete comes with a busy schedule, so having that time outdoors is something I genuinely look forward to," Pack said. "In a way, doing yard work has become a form of meditation for me. It allows me to clear my head, reflect and appreciate the simplicity of working with my hands."
The schedule can be demanding.
Following The Citadel's road match at Tennessee Tech, the Bulldogs returned to Charleston around 11 p.m. Pack was back at work the following morning at 7 a.m.
Between graduate classes, practices, lifting, travel, games and work, she relies on routine and discipline.
"The biggest thing for me is having a routine, managing my time wisely and understanding the importance of being dependable," Pack said. "I've always enjoyed staying busy, and I think having responsibilities in different areas of my life has helped me become more disciplined."
Pack also credits her supervisor with providing the flexibility necessary to manage her responsibilities as a student-athlete. She is often given a list of projects to complete and trusted to work through them independently.
"I appreciate that trust because I know it's something that's earned, and I never want to take it for granted," Pack said.
That approach has not gone unnoticed.
Pack said employees from other departments have approached her supervisor to compliment her work ethic, something she views as particularly meaningful because recognition is never the reason she shows up.
"I don't go to work expecting recognition, so knowing that people have noticed my efforts is genuinely humbling," Pack said. "It reminds me that even the little things matter."
Her appreciation for hard work began long before she arrived at The Citadel.
Growing up, Pack spent time alongside her father doing yard work, working on cars and fixing things around the house. She credits both of her parents with teaching her the value of hard work, independence and never viewing a job as beneath her.
"I've had people giggle or seem surprised when they see me riding a mower around campus or trimming bushes, especially because I'm a Division I athlete," Pack said. "But I've never seen anything unusual about it. I take pride in working with my hands, and I believe there's something rewarding about doing a job well, regardless of what that job may be."
It is a mindset that translates directly onto the pitch.
"Not everything is going to be easy or enjoyable, but I've learned that your attitude and willingness to put in the work matter most, especially when nobody is watching," Pack said.
Her time with Facilities & Engineering has also given Pack a greater appreciation for the people working behind the scenes each day to maintain The Citadel.
"At the end of the day, I believe hard work builds character, humility and discipline," Pack said. "No honest work is beneath anyone, and I hope that no matter where life takes me or what I accomplish, I never lose sight of that."
Better Together
That mentality has translated into the most productive offensive season of Pack's collegiate career. And she has had a running mate alongside her for much of it.
Samantha Grantham has scored nine goals and added four assists for 22 points, giving the Bulldogs one of the Southern Conference's most productive one-two punches. Together, Pack and Grantham have accounted for 19 of The Citadel's 33 goals this season.
"Playing alongside Sami has been incredible," Pack said. "She's an absolute machine and one of the hardest-working players I've ever been around. The effort she puts in every day is incredible, and she constantly pushes the people around her to be better."
For Pack, who made the jump from Division II to Division I, playing alongside Grantham has provided another source of confidence and motivation.
"She's been such a role model for me and is everything you could ever ask for in a teammate," Pack said. "She constantly pushes me to become better, and I genuinely couldn't ask for a better battle buddy."
The trust between the two is evident around goal.
"I'd give her the ball 100 times in front of goal and trust her to score every single time, and that goes both ways," Pack said. "I look up to her and have an incredible amount of respect for her, not just because of the player she is, but because of the person she is. She has this ability to make everyone around her better, and I think that's what makes her so special."
🎙️ 𝐒𝐢𝐭 𝐃𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐒𝐚𝐦𝐢 & 𝐉𝐚𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐡 Samantha Grantham and Jasiah Pack sat down with our ESPN production team to talk about the season,
the group and what's ahead. #𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 https://t.co/7nehwnLEi2
— 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝘾𝙄𝙏𝘼𝘿𝙀𝙇 𝙎𝙊𝘾𝘾𝙀𝙍 (@CitadelWSoccer) August 28, 2026
More Than Teammates
Pack is just as quick to point toward the rest of the Bulldogs when discussing her success.
She describes the chemistry of the team as unlike anything she has experienced during her collegiate career.
"Everyone genuinely loves and supports one another, and we're truly a family," Pack said. "We're constantly giggling, laughing and making memories together, which makes it even harder knowing this is my last season. I genuinely wish I could play soccer alongside every single one of these girls for the rest of my life."
Goalkeeper Zoe Santos and defender Ayja McCleary are two teammates Pack specifically credits with continuing to push her.
Pack described Santos as a positive presence who also keeps her grounded by reminding her where she can continue to improve. McCleary, meanwhile, constantly reminds Pack of the potential she still possesses.
"Even when I succeed, they celebrate me but never let me become complacent," Pack said. "They see more in me than what I've already accomplished, and they're constantly pushing me to reach another level. Having people who believe in you that much is something I'll forever be grateful for."
That sense of belonging extends well beyond the field.
"The Citadel has meant absolutely everything to me since the day I arrived," Pack said. "Coach Ciaran told me the other week that he always knew I belonged here, and honestly, I've felt that same way since day one."
Pack admits she wishes she could have spent all four years of her collegiate career at The Citadel. At the same time, she would not trade the journey that eventually brought her to Charleston.
"I wouldn't change the journey it took to get me to this point," Pack said. "This school, my coaches and my teammates have done nothing but bring out the best version of myself, both as a player and as a person. I've found more than just a soccer program here. I've found a family and a place I can truly call home."
One Final Push
With the final stretch of her collegiate career underway, Pack's focus has shifted toward making the most of every remaining opportunity with that family.
Her goals are to help the Bulldogs finish among the top five in the conference, compete in the upcoming SoCon Championship and make a postseason run together.
"With the time we have left, I want to give absolutely everything I have in every game for these girls because they deserve nothing less," Pack said. "My hope is that we finish in the top five, compete in the SoCon tournament, and make a run that we can all be proud of. I genuinely believe in this group and how far we can go together."
More than anything, Pack wants the Bulldogs to know they emptied the tank for one another.
"I want us to finish knowing we left everything on the field and gave each other our very best," Pack said.
Eventually, the goals, assists and individual honors will become pieces of a completed collegiate career.
Pack hopes her teammates remember something more.
"I hope they remember me as someone who gave absolutely everything she had for this team, every single day," Pack said. "Someone who would sprint 100 yards 20 times over in a game if that's what it took for my teammates."
She also hopes they remember the moments that never appear in a box score.
The laughter. The smiles. The relationships. The work done when nobody was watching. And the joy that came with finally finding where she belonged.
"These girls have become so much more than teammates to me," Pack said. "They're my sisters, and they'll forever be a part of my life. Long after the goals and games are forgotten, I hope they remember how much I loved them and how proud I was to play alongside them."
Pack's national recognition serves as another milestone in a collegiate journey defined by perseverance, work ethic and belief.
For Pack, though, perhaps the greatest accomplishment has been finding the program she knows she will continue talking about long after her playing days are over.
"When I look back on my college career years from now, The Citadel will be the team I talk about for the rest of my life," Pack said. "Some places you simply play for, but others become a part of who you are, and that's what The Citadel will always be to me."
For the latest information on The Citadel soccer team, visit CitadelSports.com and follow @CitadelWSoccer on Facebook, X and Instagram.
-- #𝙈𝙖𝙧𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙁𝙤𝙧𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙙 --
