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10/19/2017 12:00 AMSoccer has always provided an escape for East Haven High School senior Jessica Reid. When the pressures of every day life become a bit too much, Jessica finds a safe haven whenever she steps on the soccer field.
“I just love being able to go out there and forget all my problems. It’s a stress reliever for me. When I’m on the field or at a pasta dinner, it’s great to step away and focus on something else. It’s really nice,” says Jessica. “Soccer has always been there, and I enjoy going after school. I like the team aspect of soccer, and it has always been a huge part of my life and an influence.”
Jessica has been a defender ever since she started playing soccer at age five. Jessica feels that her skill set allows her to be the most effective in the backfield.
“I think I’m able to keep everyone organized. I think of myself as a leader on the team, because in the back, you have to make sure everyone gets up. I’m one of three seniors, so I need to make sure we push up and everyone is working hard,” Jessica says. “I’m a smart player and really enjoy the game. I have a high soccer IQ, as coach calls it, and realize where the forwards and midfielders are going to make sure the ball does not go in our net.”
Even though she isn’t one of the Yellowjackets’ captains, Jessica still prides herself on being a leader for the club and loves offering guidance to her teammates.
“When younger girls come out on the field, they look to me or [the other seniors] to figure out the game. Varsity is a fast-paced game and takes a while to learn. They look to us for advice on how to play,” Jessica says. “I like it, because I’ve been playing so long. I like to help other people. I like when they ask me how to play, because it means they think of me as a leader, and I like that.”
First-year Head Coach Jake Hackett appreciates how Jessica advocates effective communication among the Easties. Hackett says that Jessica is the type of player he likes having on his side due to her positivity on the pitch.
“She stepped into a very crucial role for us this year, and she’s just produced a lot of really top-notch performances. At center back, she’s been playing well and organized. She’s a top-notch player, shutting down attacks, and truly playing at a great level,” says Hackett. “The communication and leadership she shows back there is great stuff. It’s tough to find statistics for defenders, because we don’t track tackles and balls won, but she’s been doing a great job in all those respects. I couldn’t be happier with the performance she’s putting in. Her attitude is something to speak to her character. She does everything with a smile on her face and is always positive and wanting to work hard and do well.”
One of Jessica’s best assets as a defender is her ability to get the ball out of harm’s way. Jessica constantly interacts with her teammates to ensure that everyone is in the right position and, once she makes a stop, Jessica finds a way to boot the ball out of the box.
“I feel like I’m able to clear the ball really well and really talk to my teammates and make sure we’re doing the right stuff,” Jessica says. “Communication is very important, because if you don’t communicate, you’re going to break down, and you won’t get the ball where you need it to go. Communication is a big aspect, so if you don’t have it, you won’t be able to play.”
Jessica isn’t 100-percent certain if she’s going to continue playing soccer at the college level, although she plans on staying involved in the game one way or another.
“I’m looking at a few places, but it depends where I go to college,” says Jessica. “If I go to a Division I school, I probably won’t play. At a lower division school, I’d like to play. If I don’t, either way, I’ll play intramural. In some fashion, I’m going to play, because I love this sport.”