General of the Week: Tricia Jessee

Tricia Jessee, ‘17, of the Women’s Soccer Team has been selected the General of the Week after leading her team with two goals in a 5-0 win against Randolph-Macon. She told the Phi about her season, and her hopes for the upcoming playoffs.

Tricia Jessee, 17. Photo courtesy of W&L Sports Info.

Tricia Jessee, ’17. Photo courtesy of W&L Sports Info.

Kenta Sayama

Phi:  How many goals have you scored this season? Was it the first time for you to score twice in one game?

TJ:  I have been a forward since my freshman year, so I have actually been able to score a lot of goals after coming here. I think I have scored twice in one game at least once in both of my last two seasons. I remember scoring a hat trick last year.

Phi: So are you a good shooter?

TJ:  Yeah, as a forward I think that is one of the most important things. Especially as I have practiced on it for the last three years being here, I will definitely put that as one of my top qualities as a forward.

Phi:  How are your scoring patterns? How do you usually score goals?

TJ:  It really differs. I don’t think I have scored any headers this year but in the past I definitely have. This year it’s mostly been [scoring from] couple crosses and majority has been balls at my feet that I got from outside the 18 (penalty box) and taking shots from there.

Phi: Are you a dribbler?

TJ:  I am definitely a dribbler. I really love having the ball at my feet and taking people on and getting the goal that way.

Phi: Do you think you are doing particularly well this year?

TJ: I think that as far as scoring goes, I will probably end up scoring less than last year.  But the thing is that a couple of good freshman came in, so I am not as much needed for scoring. I have actually gotten the most assists I’ve ever had before. Having other players at the top that can score has taken a lot of pressure off me.  I think I have been doing just as well if not better.

Phi: Do you have a pregame ritual?

TJ: Before every game we decorate our locker room and we always have candy in there. So for every game, I like having a candy bar on my way to the field.

Phi: Who is your favorite soccer player?

TJ: When I was growing up it was definitely Mia Hamm. I looked up to her a lot when I was in elementary school. And for every book report or a project I ever had to do was about her. Now, as a forward I definitely look up to Abby Wambach and Alex Morgan.  And especially with how well they did this summer. It’s really easy to look at them and be like, “Wow,” and learn from them.

Phi: What is your favorite moment when you are playing soccer?

TJ:  I think it is when anyone scores in a tight game. There had been games when we won one to zero and when we score, it’s like the best feeling in the world. We just run to each other and hug and celebrate. That feeling of being excited is something you can never get outside of soccer.

Phi: What is your goal for this season?

TJ:  It is to win against Lynchburg [College] and then hopefully that will lead to winning in the ODAC. No one on the team now has beaten Lynchburg so it will be a great feeling to finally beat them.

Phi: What do you like doing other than soccer?

TJ:  I spend most of my time definitely playing soccer, but just being with friends, especially with the people on my team. Being with them off the field is also very fun, and we all get along very well. And also, even with people outside of the team, being able to hang out and relax is really fun.