Jessica Kasacek '20 Recruiting Profile

Soccer is and will always be an important piece of my life. Ever since I was six, I've been on a soccer field somewhere. My parents and coaches knew that I had a special ability to play goalkeeper after the first game I played. College education is as important to me as playing soccer. Continuing my education will give me the opportunity to learn and experience the field of medicine or teaching. Playing collegiate soccer will fulfill my passion of playing soccer while also allowing to earn a degree.

I knew that being a goalkeeper was the perfect position for me after the first game I played the position. Being taller than most eight year olds I was almost forced to be a goalkeeper, but I am grateful that my coaches pushed me in that direction. No one expected, however, that I would be so fearless and excited. Even at eight years old, I was already playing at a much higher level than my teammates. At one time my coaches were worried that I was going to get injured, because I was so aggressive in goal. As I got older I started to hold myself at a higher standard than my parents and coaches expected out of me. Eventually, I began teaching myself techniques, that my coaches were waiting until I was older to teach me. My coaches were very impressed with me ability, that they moved me up a level. To this day, I have been playing up in one to three years age  groups older than me. 

I tend to be a leader by example during games and in practice. I have fun at practice and like to talk with my teammates, but when it is time to train, I put all my energy and focus into training. I'm always asking whats next and I expect myself to play at the same quality in practice as I would in a game.  During games I always put my best effort forward and try to play where both me and my teammates benefit.  Because I hold myself to a higher standard, I realize my mistakes and start to fix them before my coaches have to tell me.  Previous coaches have said that I am  easy to work with, because I listen to my critiques and apply them to my game play. 

Some of my strongest qualities as a goalie are my hand strength and my ability to disrupt a 1v1 situation. Hand strength is very important to me. I work with a medicine ball every time I go to the gym to increase my hand strength. 1v1 situations became a strength of mine by instinct. My coaches said that I just started coming out and shutting down forwards. Coaches have always been impressed with my ability to bring these qualities to any level I play at.  These qualities have allowed me to be the starting goalkeeper for the Oakwood Soccer Development Academy two years in a row.  

My work ethic also shows in school. While playing in the development academy, I have maintained a 3.85 GPA average.  Also I have received many scholar awards for the my hard work and high grades in classes. I am also active in my school community being a member of both class and student council.

Playing at the next level is a dream of mine and I am confident that I can be a a positive impact to any team.