Hard work meets progression
Published 7:03 pm Saturday, June 17, 2017
Jordan Fransee was voted Suffolk News-Herald-Duke Automotive Player of the Week after an impressive performance for the Lady Bulldogs soccer team in the 4A State semifinals.
In her second year of playing goalie, Fransee has elevated herself to a state-level player at that position. She impressed many who watched her throughout the playoffs swat, steal and catch any opportunities kicked her way by opponents.
King’s Fork High School’s girls’ soccer team season ended after a quadruple overtime loss to the eventual state champions Jefferson Forest High School. The game was intense throughout, and playing goalie made the game even more stressful because that position is the last line of defense. However, Fransee didn’t flinch and did everything she could to help the Lady Bulldogs get to a state championship.
“I feel like I gave it my all,” she said. “I did the best I could and just left everything out on the field. It was probably the best game of my life.”
King’s Fork scored three minutes into the match. From there, Fransee said, that motivated her to work even harder to try to keep their lead. Even through the overtime periods and penalty kicks, she felt she gave her best.
The urge to win and wanting to perform well is what motivates her when she is out there on the field. She knows her teammates are giving their all and, in return, she knows it’s only right to do the same.
Previously, Fransee was a forward, but she moved to goalie because the team needed her there. She knew that if she worked hard, there was going to be an opportunity for her to excel at the position. A year later, she is having impressive performances at the highest levels of state high school soccer. She now considers the goalie box her second home.
“I’m getting more and more comfortable each day,” she said. “My skills have improved a lot, and I couldn’t be more proud of myself.”
Fransee had a simple yet determined goal. She simply wanted to be better this year than she was last year. Last year, she felt she allowed some easy goals and was determined to make a change. A big part of her determination comes from her grandfather, who died when she was in the fourth grade. He loved coming to her games and watching her play. She uses that to inspire her each time she steps on the field.
The Lady Bulldogs had a historic season this year. It was the first time in school history that the girls’ soccer team reached the state level. Fransee was more than happy with how the season ended for the Lady Bulldogs.
“It was a great feeling to make this far,” she said. “Although it would have been amazing to play for a state championship, I know without a doubt we left it all on the field.”
When she’s not on the field, the junior can be found hanging out with friends. She also attends her church’s youth group two times a week.