This week’s edition of One versus Eleven features Destiny midfielder Jess Varela. Jess is a rising sophomore at Virginia Tech and leads the Destiny with six goals and two assists for 14 points. Earning W-League Team of the Week honors last week, she added three goals and an assist during a pair of back-to-back wins, edging the West Virginia Illusion 1-0, before a 3-2 affair against the Dynamo two days later. Most recently, she assisted on a Claire Zimmeck tally during the Destiny’s final home win over Bradenton last Saturday.
1. What made you choose VT?
As soon as I stepped on campus at Virginia tech I felt at home…I knew that’s where I was supposed to be.
2. If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
I would go back to Brazil. The whole atmosphere there is amazing, they have such a passion for soccer that we lack in the US.
3. What was the first soccer team you ever played for?
I played for a lot of recreational teams growing up but I remember when I first tried out for Beach FC club team. I was so excited when I found out that I made it that my friend and I screamed and ran all the way to the car to tell our moms.
4. If you weren’t playing soccer, what would you be doing?
I would probably be very bored… I couldn’t imagine my life without soccer!
5. Who is your greatest role model? Why?
My Dad. I think the greatest accomplishment in life is doing something that people say is impossible for you to do and he has done that in every aspect of his life.
6. Favorite sports other than soccer?
Football.
7. What do you plan on doing after VT?
I want to coach soccer maybe at the club level and work with kids somehow. I don’t completely have it figured out.
8. What is your major at VT?
Human development.
9. What do you like to do when you are not playing soccer?
Relax! I love just laying back and watching a movie.
10. What is the best experience you have had so far?
Playing against the Brazilian women’s full national team in Brazil. I was both terrified and extremely proud to compete with such amazing players.
11. What do you like most about playing for the Richmond Kickers Destiny?
I love the girls on the team! Soccer is a great game but it’s so much more fun when you enjoy playing for your teammates.
