Jessica Fitzgerald’s gruelling commute to and from school is paying off in unexpected ways.
The year 8 student travels 90 minutes from her home in Bundoora each day, catching two trains and a tram to get to the Maribyrnong Sports Academy, where she enrolled last year to focus on basketball, which she has played since she was in prep.
And the hard slog has been worth it … but not yet for her basketball prowess.
Jessica has been selected to represent Victoria at the School Sports Australia national championships next month at Maroochydore in the 15 and under girls football team.
She says she is excited about being given the chance to play in the national championships.
And while Jessica has been playing football since she was in an under 9s team, she says she never imagined she would be picked to represent Victoria.
“I never really thought about doing anything with my football,” she said. “I always thought I would so something with basketball, but I am open to pursuing basketball or football when I finish school.”
The St Mary’s Greensborough Junior Football Club player took up football after encouragement from her dad, who has always played the Aussie game.
After playing in a boys’ league for two years, Jessica switched to playing in an all-girls’ league … and she hasn’t looked back.
“I was the only girl. No one wanted to tackle me, but I still tackled them,” she said.
“In the girls’ league, everyone just goes hard and tackles each other.”
