A former South Brunswick High School soccer player is representing New Jersey at the World Cup.

Sydney Schneider is playing in the world tournament as the goalie for the Jamaican National team.

Pep rallies were held at various South Brunswick schools Thursday to cheer on the 19-year-old athlete.

"It’s a dream of hers and seeing her get to live it day in and play with some of the best competition in the world is amazing,” says goalie coach Collin Boucher.

Schneider is currently a student at the University of North Carolina. Her mother is from Jamaica, which qualifies Schneider to play for the team, known as the “Reggae Girlz.”

“It inspires us. And I think it's amazing to know that coming from a small town in the middle of New Jersey you can still reach that level of success,” says former teammate Julea Frankel.

Those who know Schneider say that she was well-respected both in the classroom and on the soccer field while attending South Brunswick schools.

“She was a great student all around. She was very popular, funny, on and off the field. She had a lot of attributes that think made her a standout,” says former coach Beth Barrio.

Schneider will be tending goal Friday when Jamaica plays against Italy.