First-year field hockey forward Jessica Quinn looks like a woman on a mission when she takes to the field. She stares down the opposition and seems to run right through other players to reach the ball. So it comes as no surprise that she leads the Georgetown field hockey team in points and goals for the season.
“Jessica has a great ability to score; she has great speed and a positive competitive attitude,” said Head Coach Laurie Carroll. “She is using her speed and is following our game plan.”
Quinn’s scoring ability has helped the Hoyas win four of their last six games for a 4-5 record overall. She has 10 goals and 21 points this season, and is currently tied for 19th in the NCAA in points. Scoring is something that comes naturally to her.
“I don’t think when I’m scoring a goal,” she said. “It’s my position; it’s what I’m supposed to do.”
In her first game as a Hoya, Quinn scored Georgetown’s only goal against St. Joseph’s in their 3-1 loss. After West Chester’s (Pa.) shutout of the Hoyas early in the season, she has scored in Georgetown’s last eight games. Most notably, she added two goals as part of the team’s powerful offensive display in their 5-2 win over Towson on Sept. 24.
“Jessica has great timing and she seizes every opportunity to score,” said junior goalie and captain Jessica Herring. “She has a sense for the goal, something you can’t teach. It’s just something you have. She’s just a go-getter. She has a natural ability.”
With all the talent Quinn possesses she admits that there are areas she still needs to improve.
“I need to improve the strength of my shot and my communication,” said Quinn. “This season, I just want to play 100 percent and hustle every game.”
Quinn has already established herself as a strong presence on the field, but Carroll believes this is just the beginning.
“Later on, Jessica will become a team leader on and off the field,” she said.
Quinn’s leadership capabilities will be greatly needed on such a young Georgetown team. The Hoyas have nine first-years on their roster and lost their star player, Elena Elster, who decided not to play this year. Elster led the Hoyas in points and goals and was named to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference All-Star First Team as a sophomore last season.
However, the number of young players has made the transition from high school to college much easier on Quinn.
“During the preseason I was a bit nervous, but now we’re getting to know each other and it’s so much better,” Quinn said. “I am far from home, so it’s great to have them around. Now we hang out and we’re having so much fun.”
Quinn’s future on the Georgetown squad looks bright.
“Jessica has the ability to set Georgetown records,” says Herring. “She continues to grow and she’s contributed so much to the team.”
