A lot can happen on the pitch—intercepted passes, a breakaway runner, and underdogs rising to victory. A game of soccer can be as unpredictable as life and embracing the unforeseen adds to the thrill. After her transfer from Sheridan’s Architecture Technology program to Advertising and Marketing Communications, captain of the women’s soccer team, Jessica Jagdeo, is one who undoubtedly faces the unexpected head-on.

“I used to be in architecture, but that wasn’t for me,” she explained. “I chose to come to the marketing program because it had a lot to do with data research and market data analysis, and I really enjoyed that.”

Heading into her third year in the fall, Jagdeo plans to either work in the field after graduation or pursue further studies related to research and data analytics. The lessons she’s learned on the pitch are pivotal in her life as a student-athlete. Jagdeo views discipline and time management as two of the same when it comes to balancing both soccer and her school schedule, showing up for practices and completing assignments.

“Especially being team captain, I have to take charge and play to people’s strengths on the field and off the field,” she says. “I have to work as a team.”

Jagdeo kickstarted her soccer career when she was three years old and won Athlete of the Year playing for her elementary school team. Before her time with the Bruins, Jagdeo was a member on several rep teams, including the Dixie Soccer Club, North Mississauga, and Erin Mills. Currently in Double Blue, Jagdeo’s experiences have taught her how to take responsibility and initiative as a leader. When things are tough on the pitch, she works together with her coaches to “decipher what the problem is” and relays the solution to her teammates. “Last season we played a lot as individuals,” she says. “But for the upcoming season we need to work together and harder for each other.”

In 2022, Jagdeo represented the Guyana Football Federation for the U-20 CONCACAF competition in the Dominican Republic. Come life after Sheridan, she aims to play professionally and hopes to compete at the senior level.

But for now, Jagdeo is happy to be in Double Blue, scoring “two free kicks to get the equalizer against Niagara” during the 2023-24 season. “Most memorable moment?” she asks herself. “Any time we have little get-togethers with the coaches, we order pizza after the game.”