Jasmine Ruiz has been practicing soccer since she was 4.
As much as she relishes the time she has spent with her Oswego East teammates, she plans to make her livelihood by practicing medicine. For now, though, she has her sights set on a strong senior season.
“Honestly, with all the talent we have, we’re still trying to figure things out right now,” she said. “If everyone is responsible and does their part, I think we could have a very good season.”
Her ability to be humble, to take on any challenges that come her way and lead by example has Ruiz in a prime position.
“She wants to see the program do well and does not focus on her individual achievements,” Wolves coach Juan Leal said. “She is also special because of her ability to read the game and adapt accordingly.
“Her soccer intelligence is very high and she continues to be a student of the game. She pays attention to detail and is quick to offer suggestions that could potentially benefit the team.”
Ruiz has committed to play at Villanova.
“Since I want to be a physician when I grow up, Villanova is as close to perfect for me as anywhere, and 95 percent of undergrads end up graduating,” she said. “It’s a really good fit for me academically.
“When I went on my visit, there just was so much nice about it. I talked to a lot of students and they’ve got a new coach who is a good fit for me.”
Villanova coach Chris McLain previously served as the associate head coach at Ohio State.
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Having a new coach is something Ruiz has already adapted to as Leal, a longtime assistant, is in his first season as Oswego East’s coach.
Ruiz will play mostly center midfield this spring, although she expects to attack more than she has in the past. The Wolves have been around the .500 mark in recent seasons, including a 9-10-1 record last spring.
“I’m going to do whatever I can to get everyone involved,” she said. “We have a lot of incoming freshmen who are coming from different clubs, so finding the right team chemistry is going to be a big thing.”
The Wolves expect to have at least five underclassmen contribute regularly, including freshmen Allison Adams, Madison Frazer and Haley Lewis. Ruiz is trying to ease the process for her new teammates.
“You might be a younger player but if you’re playing at this level you have to step up,” she said. “So far, the attitudes have been good ones. If they have any questions, I tell them to ask.
“They’ve done a pretty good job. I really don’t think if you saw us play you would be able to notice what year in high school each player is, so that’s pretty good.”
As a student of the game, Ruiz believes she’s made her biggest strides mentally during her four years at Oswego East.
“I watch a lot of professional English Premier League soccer and how they’re passing the ball,” she said. “I pay attention to how they find open gaps and I think of ways of applying that to my game and then work on it in practice.
“I think it’s a good way to help make myself and my team better.”
C.R. Walker is a freelance writer for The Beacon-News.
TOP 5 TEAMS
1. Metea Valley: Watch out for Mustangs (12-9-4), who return 10 starters. Senior midfielder Nicki Hernandez (Michigan) and junior forward Maeve Riordan come back to program from club. Both played as freshmen. DePaul recruit Jade Eriksen-Russo (18 goals, 11 assists) provides plenty of offense. Senior goalkeeper Amy Ahern (1.06 goals-against average, 11 shutouts) boosts a back line led by senior Katherine Wieland.
2. Waubonsie Valley: Purdue recruit Sarah Griffith was team MVP last year with 18 goals and seven assists. Warriors (11-8-1) welcome back goalkeeper Sarah Young and all-conference selection Natalie Massa. Also back are Sakura Millbrook, Kennedy Metzger, Hailey Curcio and Carolena Lund, who combined for 10 goals.
3. Batavia: Seven seniors have committed to play in college for Bulldogs (15-5-1), who seek first regional title since 2013. Midfielders Cameron Hindel and Morgan Wahlen and forward Keegan Maris (13 goals, nine assists) return for final seasons. Bulldogs should be tough with goalkeeper Jenny Scara (10.5 shutouts, 0.76 goals-against average) and senior defenders Shannon King, Alex Piron and Brooke Polignone.
4. Kaneland: Knights (17-5-2) have 16 returnees from team that won regional title and fell just short of the second sectional title in program history. Kaneland graduated six players, but gained five freshmen with club experience. Seniors Holly Collingbourne (Marian), Lauren Ortiz (Trinity International), Taylor Zitkus and Kylie Kurz all return, along with junior Lindsay Penkala and sophomore Rachel Lutter.
5. Oswego: Panthers (10-7-3) return ton of talent and boast experienced roster. Offensively, Oswego has depth with juniors Kaylee Zimbelmann (10 goals) and Riley Parker (10 goals) and seniors Abby Grzetic and Alyssa Radakovich (Grinnell). Senior Carissa Brown is a lockdown defender in front of goalkeeper Megan Rasmussen (Western Illinois). Madison Lockard (Ball State) split time in goal last season.