Merrecia James

James was raised by a single parent in the rural community of Portland, Jamaica. She attended Port Antonio High School, where she earned 9 CXC's^{[clarification needed]} in a variety of subjects and earned a scholarship to G.C. Foster college. In college, she earned a certificate in Physical Education in 2006. Also in 2006, she was admitted, with the intent to pursue a degree in Exercise Science and Physical Therapy, to the University of Maryland Eastern Shore on a full athletic scholarship, where she has achieved success as a middle distance runner. As a Maryland, she consistently placed 1st in cross-country, 800 m, 1500 m, mile, and 5000 m races in the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference, as well as qualifying for Division I NCAA national indoor and outdoor championships in 2007-2008. Additionally, she was a COSIDA All-American in 2007 for her academic and athletic achievements.^[1] In 2013, James graduated with a Masters of Medical Science in Physician Assistant from St. Francis University.