Written by Julia Baribeau '17
SANTA CLARA, Calif. – After being named to the all Freshman West Coast Conference Team in 2013 Jordan Jesolva (JJ) sat out the 2014 season due to injury. Jesolva chatted with the Santa Clara Broncos (SCB) about her recovery and how it has changed her as a player.
SCB: After injuring your ACL this season and having to sit out, how do you think this has changed you as a player? Physically? Mentally?
JJ: After having to sit out for the past six months and just watching games and practice, it is very interesting to see how the team works together and finding out each players strengths and weaknesses. When I am able to play again I think that my mental game will be a lot stronger knowing that I have watched so many games and I have been able to learn so much more from a different perspective. Physically I am going to be a lot stronger due to the fitness program our trainers have designed for me and it will be exciting to see how it will affect my game.
SCB: How has your recovery process been since having ACL surgery?
JJ: Recovery has not been easy whatsoever, but it is definitely an experience. I never thought that something like this would be so mentally and physically draining. I am already six months out and I am finally getting to jog a little but I still have a ways to go to being able to play again. A big thing that I have learned through this process is that patience is key; there is no need to rush anything. I need to focus on the small things and be patient and work hard every day.
SCB: What did you learn about yourself as a player off the field this past season?
JJ: Tearing my ACL was the biggest injury I have ever had. I have never done something that would take me off the field for such a long time. I learned that when I get back on the field I won't take for granted the day-to-day things I am missing while not being able to play.
SCB: How are you preparing for your upcoming fall season? Is there anything you wish to accomplish in this season that you were unable to do because you were injured last season?
JJ: As of right now I am preparing for next season, I am trying to get back in time for our summer training that takes place at the end of June through July. This summer I will mainly be working on conditioning in order to be back to full strength as well as technical and skill work. Last year we placed second in the conference and did not make it to the tournament so this year my goal will be to help our team win the conference as well as make it to the NCAA tournament.
