Athlete Spotlight: Jessiny Aguillon #32

SPORTS: soccer

Tell us your story. What life experiences have impacted your journey? What motivates you? What is your “why"?

My family plays a huge role in my life, I am so blessed to have a family who has supported me and constantly spoke love and truth into my life. The biggest reason why I push myself to grow and succeed is for all for the Lord and the support of my family. I know that I am not accident and I am on this earth to only further the kingdom of God and be an example of christ to others, in all aspects of my life. Jesus truly saved my life and has lead me to understand true purpose and love. A big moment in my life that taught me so much, was when I tore my labrum in my hip and had to go through a pretty intense surgery to repair it. I went through major ups and downs mentally, spiritually and even emotionally. For a long period of time, I was unable to play soccer which was something that I loved and prioritized deeply. I had to learn that even though soccer is a blessing and something I love to do, I put so much of my focus on it and wanting to be the best that at times I lost sight of prioritizing God and his plans above everything else. Through this difficult time in my life, I came to understand that my identity and purpose should never rest solely on soccer or performance but should remain in the Lord even through the ups and downs of life. I trust that God allowed me to go through this hard experience to only become stronger, and be a light to others about hard situations they may face too. This moment, is a big part of my why and a major lesson I have learned from.

What role does your faith play in your life and in your sports career?

My faith is what guides my life and my sports career. In circumstances of my life, my response is to just pray and run to the Lord about my thoughts, dreams and aspirations. He is my safe place and my Father, so through all things that I love and enjoy in life and in my sport I just bring it to God because I trust that he guides my life and has good plans for me.

Do you have a favorite Bible verse? If so, which one and why?

"I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken for he is right beside me"- Psalms 16:8 This is one of my favorite bible verses, because it reminds me that no matter what is going on in my life, God is the one who is in control and he is always with me and watching over me.

What accomplishment are you most proud of personally and athletically (name one of each)?

A personal accomplishment that I am proud of is when I gave my life to the Lord and chose to live for him fully. Athletically, I am extremely proud that I got recruited and have the ability to play for a d1 soccer program at Texas A&M Corpus Christi.

What do you feel sets you apart from your competition and what skills do you currently possess that are your biggest assets?

I feel like my drive sets me apart from others around me. I believe myself to be a very hard worker and have a passion to improve. I make time to do extra work outside of regular practices, to help me get better in my sport. Whenever that is waking up early to go get some touches on the field, or going to the gym and working on strength. I push myself to take that extra step that can help me to grow. I also believe that I am very kind-hearted and feel deeply for others. I try to be an example to others on my team about how to care for others and lead others around me. I think its so important to serve others and let them know that they are cared for and with others around me I aim to do this. I believe these are just some assets that I have that set me apart.

What skills are you most focused on improving?

Im focused on improving my mindset and discipline. I'm working on building a strong mindset, where It sets me up for success in my sport and overall life. When having to deal with unpredictable situations in life, having a mindset that doesn't shift is what I want and aim to build. Improving my mindset will also help me to improve my discipline. Even if I may not want to do something, having a strong mindset will lead me pushing through those emotions and building discipline.

Tell us what a typical day or week is like for you:

Most days will look like me getting up early for school and going through my morning routine, like reading my bible or praying, having a good breakfast, and getting my stuff for school together. After school, i'll either go to the gym for a quick strength session or go to practice. Then once practice is done, ill head home or end up doing something spontaneous with my friends. Whenever I get home after doing all I needed to do, I'll eat dinner and just hang around my family and my dogs and then get everything ready for bed and head to sleep, then repeat the same thing the next day.

What are your plans for the future and what is your number one objective for the next year / season?

My plans for the future are to play soccer in college and pursue my degree. I am so excited for my upcoming season of life and am ready for the season of change and growth the Lord is going to bring me through. My number one focus in this time is honestly to keep my eyes on Jesus. I know I am going through many changes in my upcoming future but I don't want to get caught up in the mix of change and even excitement to the point where I can start to forget about God or forget about all he has done and brought me through. So, my number objective is to keep my focus on the Lord, share his word and his love, while also getting to partake in all that he has blessed me with and enjoy playing college ball.

What is the biggest challenge you see in achieving your upcoming goal or where could you use help?

I would say my biggest challenge in achieving my upcoming goals, would be to remember to also find enjoyment and love for what i'm doing. I don't want to get into a routine of life where it feels like everyday is the same thing, but instead find enjoyment and truly enjoy getting to workout and go to the gym, getting to enjoy playing soccer in college and getting to enjoy the process of it all.

What words of advice do you have for younger athletes that are up and coming?

My words of advice would be to give it your all. Give your best for the Lord, Give your best for your sport, for your goals, for your team and for life itself, Give your all in every aspect of life. I think that sometimes I look back into moments of my life and feel as if I allowed fear to hold me back from giving it my all, and I would advise younger athletes to give any fear or anxiety up to the Lord, lay it at his feet and go do the thing that he has called you to do, wholeheartedly.

Who was your favorite player growing up or who's style of play do you most admire?

One of my favorite players growing up was Alex Morgan, I loved how she was also a left footed player and she was such an encouragement to other girls about playing soccer. I enjoyed watching her play in the world cup and watching team U.S. I loved how techy she was and thought it was so fun to watch her play. My favorite style of play I most admire is possession based, I love when I watch champions league games and get to see how they move the ball so freely and quickly. Its exciting to watch a game that has creative possession and build up on the field.

What one question would you have for your favorite athlete if they were sitting here now?

I would ask, what was crucial in your journey to achieving your goals and the level of success you got to have?

Is there anything else you would like to share with the community?

Life can be difficult and there are seasons of life where things may seem amazing and other times where things can be disheartening or hard, but through it all, remember who has already conquered it all and who has paid the ultimate price for us, remember Jesus and in everything season of life, good or bad remember that God has good plans and he is right beside you.