She’s the man

Jessica Petts, kicker for the Forest Heights Collegiate Institute (FHCI) Trojans, lets herself get lost in the game until nothing else matters.

Petts has played for the Forest Heights Collegiate Institute (FHCI) Trojans Waterloo County Secondary School Athletic Association (WCSSAA) for two years. In that time she made Honourable Mention for the WCSSAA All-Star Team.

In spring 2012, some of the Trojans players saw Petts on the Forest Heights rugby team (she is also a former soccer goalkeeper). They approached her and asked if she would tryout in the fall. Upon their advice, Petts tried out for kicker during the first week of the team’s practice.

During the season, there were some skeptics.  They were silence once she nailed a 45-yarder as well as the game winning field goal in overtime to ensure their top place finish in the standings.

Petts attributed her success to one coach.

“My assistant football coach has influenced me the most because he made me feel comfortable on a boys’ team and treated me like an equal,” said Petts.  “He has given me many pointers through the seasons and has helped me become the kicker I am today.”

Furthermore, Jessica received support both at school and home.

“My mother is the most influential person in my life as she has always pushed me to be a better person and pursue all of the goals I have,” adds Jessica.

Overall, Petts said that being a girl and playing on the boy’s team was not a huge deal and was treated fairly.

“I believe the movie ‘She’s the Man’ relates to me the best because the main character, Viola, is the only girl on a team of boys and has to figure out the proper way to act around them,” said Petts.  “I think we had the same sense of humour about it.”

“I like being girly at times but when it comes down to it I’m not afraid to do what needs to be done – no matter the situation. I have the mixture of the feminine side and the tom boy side.”

As a kicker, Petts was sheltered from the physicality of the game at times, but would give it her all in spite of it. She wouldn’t back down and would attempt a tackle should the opportunity arose.

If anything Petts felt included on her team and was called ‘Petts’ by her teammates.

“The team atmosphere on a football team is unlike any other,” adds Petts.  “We all become a family during the season and have each other’s backs no matter what.”

“The game is so intense that you just get lost in it and nothing else matters during the time on the field.”

Petts is on the verge of achieving one of her goals this fall as she will attend Western University.

“I have accepted my offer to Western because they have an amazing campus, out-going and involved students and have a reputable kinesiology program,” explained Petts.   “I am going to Western for Kinesiology and hoping to get my masters in physiotherapy or audiology.”

While she is moving on from high school, Petts plans to continue training.

“I will be staying in shape and practicing my kicking as much as possible,” said Petts.  “Specifically, I will be working on my endurance and leg strength.”