In the wake of yet another outstanding year for Jamaican women’s football — with Reggae Girlz captain Khadija Shaw capturing her second consecutive Women’s Super League Golden Boot and earning Barclays WSL Player of the Month honours — attention is also turning to the next wave of Reggae Girlz talent emerging abroad.
Among them is fellow national player and Daytona State College standout Shaniel Buckley, whose record-breaking junior college season has placed her firmly on the radar. While Buckley is still at an early stage of her journey, her dominance at the collegiate level mirrors the early pathways taken by some of Jamaica’s biggest stars.
From Portmore to Outstanding US Collegiate
Born on 20 May 2005 in Portmore, Buckley emerged as a standout talent at Excelsior High School, where her technical ability, work rate, and football intelligence quickly set her apart. A midfielder by trade, she developed a reputation for close control, vision, and an ability to influence matches at both ends of the pitch.
Her performances at the school level propelled her into Jamaica’s national youth setup, where she represented the island at Under-17 and Under-20 levels. Notably, she was part of the young Reggae Girlz squad that qualified for the 2023 CONCACAF Women’s Under-20 Championship, gaining valuable experience against elite regional opposition.
Seeking broader exposure and a clear development pathway, Buckley later made the move to the United States to continue her academic and football journey.
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A record-breaking 2025 season
That decision paid immediate dividends. The 2025 campaign proved to be a defining one as Buckley delivered one of the most complete seasons by a junior college player in recent memory. She finished with 23 goals and 10 assists, playing a central role in Daytona State College securing a second consecutive NJCAA National Championship. Her influence was recognised with a sweep of top honours, including NJCAA Division I National Tournament Most Valuable Player and Most Valuable Offensive Player (2025), as well as NJCAA Region 8 Player of the Year (2025).
Her decorated résumé also includes United Soccer Coaches All-American honours (2024), selection to the NJCAA Division I National All-Tournament Team (2024), the United Soccer Coaches All-East Region Team (2024), and NJCAA Region 8 First-Team recognition in both 2024 and 2025. A proven performer in decisive moments, Buckley was a national champion in 2024 after scoring the game-winning goal in the final, before helping Daytona State repeat as champions the following year.
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What’s next
With junior college football conquered, Buckley now prepares for the next step, transferring to Florida State University, one of NCAA Division I women’s football’s most respected programmes. The move represents a significant step up in competition and visibility, placing her in an elite environment known for developing players capable of progressing to the professional and international game.
Now a senior member of Jamaica’s national programme, Buckley’s long-term ambition is clear: to represent Jamaica at the FIFA Women’s World Cup. From Portmore to national titles in the United States and the Reggae Girlz senior setup, her journey reflects the depth of Jamaican women’s football today — and the steady emergence of a player determined to make her mark at every level.
