Senior Spotlight: #8 Jessica White
10/31/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
By Ashley Verbeyst, MSU Athletic Communication Student Assistant
EAST LANSING, Mich. - There's no shortage of Spartan spirit on the women's soccer sidelines, thanks to senior, Jessica White. After sustaining multiple knee surgeries, Jessica found herself medically unable to participate in her final season as a Spartan.
Despite the adversities White had to overcome, she looks back on her soccer years wearing Green and White quite fondly.
As a California native, White always knew she wanted to play soccer in college, preferably in the Midwest where she has family nearby.
"You play your whole life, you're just in that environment", said White. "Most of your teammates in high school start getting recruited, it was something I was brought into and I love the sport, so I figured I would do it too."
After visiting other schools in the Big Ten, including Indiana and Illinois, White fell in love with Michigan State. She felt at home in green and white, playing outside midfield and center midfield.
In 2012 Jessica tore her ACL in the third game of the season resulting in the first of three surgeries.
"It's really discouraging once it first happens, after that you come back stronger each time," said White. "With such a great group of friends there's reasons to come back after every injury, you come back stronger, you have to do a lot of work but it's definitely worth it," said White.
White did make a great comeback after her first surgery. She had a stellar season, being the third highest scorer for the team and was an Academic All-Big Ten selection. She started in 10 of 11 games, but again suffered a season ending injury. During a game, according to White, she landed funny and tore the cartilage.
In 2014 White was again an Academic All-Big Ten Selection and appeared in eight games. In 2015, she saw action in 13 games. However, another surgery was upon her. The third surgery was cartilage damage as well.
Out of all the surgeries, Jessica knew this last year would be the toughest. It would mean hanging up her cleats.
"I knew for long-term health reasons, it wouldn't be a good decision to play," said White. "It was such a bummer because I wanted to play soccer this season so badly."
As her final season approached, she knew this would be the best decision. She truly wanted to represent her team on the field but instead represented them proudly on the sidelines. Jessica encouraged her teammates throughout the season, and she exuded such great positivity and team spirit.
"Being able to watch the younger girls is so much fun. It's such a great thing to be a part of the women's soccer team," added White. "To be able to cheer them on from the side and still be a part of everything, is a way to lead in itself."
Jessica is also a leader in the classroom. In April 2016, White was one of Broad's Athletic Achievers, receiving honors at the Eli Broad College of Business. Balancing both a rigorous athletic and academic schedule and overcoming injury is very demanding; requiring a lot of hard work and dedication. White's perseverance is clearly balanced both on and off the field.
Jessica will always remember the encouraging words Coach Saxton has told her and the team over the years. "He's really positive, it's always keep your head up, have a good attitude and keep working hard regardless of a loss," said White. "Just remember to give it your all and keep looking forward."
White plans to do just that, keep looking ahead and moving forward. As the semester comes to a close White will be graduating with a major in Hospitality Business.
No stranger to travel, White will be settling in to yet another state.
"I will be moving to North Carolina in January, where I will be working for a company called A-Line, said White. "I'm really excited about it, and I just want to travel."
As White reflects on her college career she realizes that saying goodbye to Michigan State won't be easy, but as she ponders her future, she radiates the same positivity and enthusiasm that she brought on and off the soccer field.
"It's bittersweet, it's been such a great college experience. I'm going to miss it so much," said White. "I loved just being a part of the team, and basically having your best friends and sisters around you every day. I'm going to miss Michigan State so much but I'm also excited for the next chapter."
