“Being a team captain is about more than recognition, it’s about leading with integrity, showing up when it’s hard, and becoming someone your teammates can count on,” senior left back player Jessica Merchant said.
For Jessica Merchant, those qualities have defined her entire high school soccer career.
She has been a force on the girls varsity soccer team, not just for her skill on the field, but for the leadership and heart she brings to the game.
Merchant has been a part of the team since her freshman year, earning the respect of teammates and coaches for her consistency, dedication and passion. Now in her final year, she reflects on her journey with pride and perspective.
She plays left-back defense, a position that requires not only athleticism, but strategic awareness and unshakeable composure. Merchant chases down attackers, supports her teammates and communicates from the backline.
“My biggest inspiration is my dad,” Merchant said. “He was the one that taught me how to play.”
She began playing at six years old and the early influence helped shape the player she is today, but Merchant’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks. During her junior year, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), sidelining her for the entire season.
“I tore my ACL and had to stop playing for my whole junior year,” Merchant said. “But I came back stronger for my senior year and finished my soccer season.”
Although she made a strong return, Merchant struggled with the feeling that her sports career was slipping away. The thought of no longer being able to play or run left her feeling defeated.
“Honestly I was hopeless and had no source of motivation because I couldn’t run for track, cross country, or play soccer,” Merchant said.
She took a blow that would have ended the journey for many athletes but not Merchant.
“I was on crutches for three weeks and went to physical therapy twice a week,” Merchant said. “Everyone told me I wouldn’t be able to come back due to severe injury and it saddened me and made me hopeless.”
She pushed through months of recovery and self doubt, all while staying on top of her academics. The result was both a physical and mental comeback.
“That injury taught me a lot and made me realize how much soccer meant to me,” Merchant said.
Despite her challenges, she continued to balance the demands of academics and athletics, Merchant never let the pressure break her.
“I struggle to maneuver my time wisely and juggle soccer and being a student but overtime, it’s become manageable,” Merchant said.
Her drive and resilience are part of why she was chosen as captain in the first place.
She’s done exactly that. She encourages teammates during tough practices and shows younger players how to step up under pressure.
“Jessica (Merchant) is always able to lift my confidence to continue trying and putting in all my effort during our games,” freshman and varsity soccer player as well as Merchants teammate, Daniella Miranda said.
Outside of school, she continues to keep her soccer skills sharp and keeps her love for the sport alive.
“I play in a guy’s league at Delano Park and a girl’s league at Balboa Park,” Merchant said.
Though she doesn’t plan to play college soccer, Merchant isn’t saying goodbye to the game completely.
“I’m going to continue playing in small leagues but I plan on pursuing something different in college,” Merchant said. “I’m planning on becoming a physical therapist or something in the orthopedics field.”
She plans on majoring in kinesiology in college as she found a new passion for muscle and bone function. Through tearing her ACL, Merchant learned more about the human body which led to her interest in the field.
“But soccer will always be a part of my identity,” Merchant said.
Her parents have played a major role in her journey, providing unwavering support and a strong foundation of self-motivation.
“My parents are extremely supportive,” Merchant said. “They provide new cleats, take me to games and are always there cheering me on.”
As Merchant prepares to graduate, she leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and passion that will inspire the team long after graduation.
“I’m sad that this is my first and last year getting to know her not only as a teammate but as a friend because of how radiant and welcoming her personality is,” Miranda said.
She has proven that true leadership doesn’t come from titles, it comes from showing up, working hard, and doing it all with heart.
