GORDON WILLIAMS, Star Writer

KANSAS CITY, United States:

Whatever the outcome of Jamaica's push for their first-ever place in a women's World Cup, the Reggae Girlz, according to their newly acquired fitness trainer, should have plenty endurance to complete the journey.

American Will Hitzelberger, who started working with the Girlz last month following the Caribbean Football Union round of qualifiers, is confident they will rise to their latest test - at least physically - during the CONCACAF Women's Championships, which kicks off against Martinique today.

"Going into this tournament, I think a lot of these girls are at peak fitness of what we were able to do," said Hitzelberger.

Yet he believes the Girlz have the "potential to do more," after starting out with a mini-camp in Jamaica September 8-12 and rejoining the squad in the United States on September 22 for a month-long training stint, leading to the CONCACAF qualifiers.

Hitzelberger's speciality is movement, an enticement to get them into the best shape possible.

"I teach them how to move better," said the former US college midfielder/defender.

"Once we learn how to move properly, I turn that into conditioning."

Good impression

So far, he has impressed Jamaica's coaching staff.

"He's been very good," said head coach Merron Gordon.

But 34-year-old Hitzelberger, who holds a university degree in exercise science and owns Spectrum Sports Performance (SSP), a sports performance company which works specifically with athletes, believes his job has been made easier by Jamaica's players' natural abilities and willingness to trust his plan. That has facilitated their progress.

"They are extremely athletic, extremely talented," he said.

"Every time I've tested, there has been significant improvement. They're fast, agile and strong. Because of the Jamaica girls' reception, we have made tremendous strides. Everything is credit to them."

Yet Hitzelberger believes the Girlz still have a way to go.

"We just have to continue to climb the ladder," he said. "I think there's a lot of room for improvement."

Compensation

Hitzelberger wants to continue working with Jamaica's football long after the Girlz World Cup bid climaxes. He said he's being "compensated" for his services, but declined to say how much. What drives his curiosity is the wealth of underdeveloped talent he believes Jamaicans possess. He wants them to change some training habits, but he, too, has learned to adapt.

"I had to come in with an open mind," said Hitzelberger. "I wasn't sure what I was gonna get."

What he's seen so far is "a humble group of women" willing to sacrifice and work hard to succeed.