Beyond the Jersey: Strength Through the Struggle

For Jesenia Landaverde, soccer has always been more than just a sport. What started at five years old as something to do in her free time quickly became a lifelong passion. Thanks to her parents, who encouraged her early on, soccer grew into a space where she found comfort, purpose, and strength.

At Penn State Schuylkill, Jesenia has found success both on and off the field. She has earned the President Walker Award, made the Dean's List for the past three semesters, and received the USCAA All-Academic Team honor. She chose the Schuylkill campus because it was close to home and offered her the ability to complete her nursing degree in a smaller, supportive environment. That decision has proven to be the right one.

Balancing the intense demands of nursing school and college soccer has shaped Jesenia in many ways. She has learned the importance of time management, discipline, and mental toughness. Soccer, she says, has taught her how to communicate, think quickly, and push through hard moments. "The sport requires a lot of discipline both on and off the field," she said. "You have to make sure your grades stay up to play, and sometimes it gets difficult, but I always manage to get back up when I fall. That's the same as being a student. Some days are hard and overwhelming, but I get up and try again even harder."

This past year tested her strength more than ever before. On September 6, 2024, Jesenia tore a piece of cartilage behind her knee during practice. Just three days before that, she lost her grandmother. "It felt like the world was crashing down on me," she said. "But nothing stopped just because I was overwhelmed. I still had to go to class, attend games, and give my full effort even when I felt like I had none left."

She underwent surgery and was placed on crutches, non-weight bearing for six weeks. Every part of her day became more difficult, from walking to showering to simply keeping up with assignments. But the biggest challenge, she says, was mental. "I missed playing. Watching from the sidelines was painful. There were days I didn't know what to do with myself. If I went to practice, I missed playing. If I stayed home, I thought about everything I was missing."

Through it all, Jesenia leaned on her family, her boyfriend Raymond, her brother, and her support system at Schuylkill. "Kate and Maysen were there for me when I found out I needed surgery. They answered all my questions and stayed by my side. My teammates, Coach Kaylee, Hannah, Gaby, and Haley all supported me through the hardest days. I would not have made it without them."

She also credits her professors for their patience and encouragement, allowing her to stay on top of her schoolwork despite everything going on. "This year taught me that I am so much stronger than I ever thought I was. I still went to class, I still did my homework, I went to therapy. I pushed myself through the hard days. I learned that it's okay to cry and take breaks. But I also learned that I am capable of getting back up every time."

Jesenia's determination continues to drive her forward. She wants to become a pediatric or NICU nurse and is working hard to earn her BSN. The sport that once started as a hobby has taught her lessons that apply directly to her future. "In nursing, teamwork and communication are everything. Soccer has helped me develop those skills. It has also helped me deal with stress and build a strong work ethic. I know that what I've been through will only make me a better nurse."

As she looks toward the future, Jesenia is filled with gratitude for the people around her. "I am thankful for everyone who supported me. My family, my friends, my team, my trainers, my coach. Everyone here is part of my second family. And I know that I will be back on the field stronger than ever."