30
Apr, 2021
Internationals SC alumnae Lilly Jakuszewski has been a bright spot in the Mount Vernon Nazarene University program, making 19 starts for the Cougars. She would go on to play 1,665 minutes and finish with 71 saves and a 1.24 GAA. She received Honorable Mention All-Crossroads League honors for her efforts.
“It has been a little crazy this year with COVID but it has been a lot of fun,” Jakuszewski said. “I was super fortunate to be able to have a fall season and also a spring season. Coming in as the starting freshman goalkeeper was a little intimidating. My teammates are amazing, welcomed me, have trusted me, and quickly became my best friends. My head coach was a goalkeeper during her college days and it's been so great because she understands my position on the field and has really trusted me.”
“This season I have learned to be very flexible with everything and just go with the flow,” Jakuszewski added. “I have learned that not all outcomes truly reflect potential. I have learned that hard work and mentality make a difference. I think that we had a lot of success this season. Qualifying for nationals is a huge honor and I couldn't be more excited to have the opportunity to compete in them my freshmen year. It has definitely been a battle and has taken a lot of hard work to get to the spot we are at now.”
Mount Vernon Nazarene University head women’s soccer coach Sarah Maracani has been impressed with what Jakuszewski has contributed to the program. Jakuszewski helped MVNU advance to the NAIA National Tournament, falling to the University of Cumberlands in the tournament’s opening round.
“Lilly has done a great job in goal for us her freshman year," Maracani said. "We play in one of the toughest leagues in the NAIA and compete against many top 25 teams in the country. This season Lilly showed a lot of grit and came up big for us in many of those bigger games. She is also very good with feet and helps our backline relieve pressure. I am excited to continue to watch Lilly grow as a person and a goalkeeper her next three years here at MVNU.”
The Uniontown, Ohio native has adjusted quickly to the collegiate game. Playing for an elite club like Internationals prepared her for the experience.
“The speed of play has been much faster than what I have been used to but I adjusted very quickly,” Jakuszewski said. “I love the fast pace. The Crossroads League is one of the most competitive conferences in the NAIA and it has been a lot of fun competing with the top teams. No doubt the club has prepared me for soccer at the collegiate level. The Internationals ECNL teams structure the environment to mirror college. From fitness expectations, to team bonding, team meals, team bus trips to tournaments, to game atmosphere, re-gen, and nutrition, even putting importance on keeping grades up while balancing soccer. They also attract like-minded players which made me enjoy the unified dedication of my teammates. I felt so comfortable entering the college environment because I fully knew what to expect.”
Internationals proved to be the right choice for Jakuszewski.
“The Internationals not only gave me the confidence and training I needed to play next-level soccer but it gave me game and real-life experiences on and off the field leaving me extremely prepared for starting my journey into collegiate soccer,” Jakuszewski said. “When it comes to recruiting ISC has all the answers and more. They are intentional, organized, and experienced. They support you from start to finish. Many of the coaches took time to really give me feedback and advice on ways to really make my final decision on a school that was right for me not only athletically, but academically.”
She spoke highly of ISC’s Jared Rose and the impact he made on her career.
“Jared as a coach has impacted and influenced me most as a player and helped me build confidence as a player overall,” Jakuszewski said. “He always pushed us to be the best players we could be, and personally made me want to better myself. He has always believed in me, probably at times I didn't believe in myself. I have always appreciated his approach on and off the field. Serious, mixed with a balance of fun, knowledge, passion for the sport.”
Rose, who serves as the club's ECNL Regional League Director, is very proud of her accomplishments.
“We are extremely happy that Lilly has had such an amazing freshman year at Mount Vernon Nazarene,” Rose said. “She has always shown to be very mature and responsible keeping all her priorities on track. She has a high work rate combined with focus and dedication to being the best player she can be and being the best teammate she can be. When you combine all of that with the quality goalkeeper she is, you know you have someone special to build a program around. We wish her nothing but the best in her next three years and are excited to see how her career plays out.”
Jakuszewski has impressed both on and off the field. She has lofty goals, but that is to be expected with someone who is so successful.
“I want to continue to thrive academically and continue to feed my passion for teaching in areas both in the classroom and on the soccer field,” Jakuszewski said. “I want to also continue to build strength and develop in my position as a goalkeeper. Teaching and coaching is my dream.”
She has a bright future in the field of education.
“I am studying Elementary Education/Intervention Specialist,” Jakuszewski said. “I choose this field because I love working with kids and helping them learn. I have always enjoyed my years coaching rec soccer and being a part of a child's growth is very rewarding.”
Jakuszewski has accomplished so much in her first year at MVNU, and there is obviously no limit to what she can accomplish in the years to come.
Photo Credit: Ohio Corporate Photographer and Mount Vernon Nazarene University