Pride in the PSUAC With Schuylkill's Jesenia Landaverde

This story is part of a year-long series of feature stories written by PSUAC student-athletes and coaches, highlighting their experiences in the PSUAC.

By Jesenia Landaverde, Penn State Schuylkill women's soccer student-athlete

I grew up in Easton, Pennsylvania, where my family supported me and I began my soccer journey at five years old. Their support along with the support of friends, I have been able to attend Penn State Schuylkill and continue my academic career, but little did I know I would also be able to continue playing the sport that I love.

Although I tried other sports such as basketball and volleyball, soccer has always been the one that truly held a special place in my life. When I was younger, my parents would often say I only wanted to play with a pink soccer ball, and ever since then, that little girl in me has carried the same passion, playing every game as if it were my last.

I chose Penn State Schuylkill when I was looking for a 4-year program, close to home, that would allow me to get a BSN. At freshman orientation, my dad noticed a sign-up for sports and encouraged me to ask about it. That moment led me to connect with Coach Kaylee, and to my surprise, I had the chance to play again. I was both nervous and excited, because I thought my last season had ended in high school, but I was given the opportunity to continue my soccer journey in college.

From the very beginning, I found more than just teammates here, I found a family. We lifted each other up, push one another to work harder through every challenge. Balancing academics and soccer has not always been easy, but the support I’ve received from my professors, friends, coaches, family, and teammates has made all the difference.

My sophomore year became the biggest test of my strength. Just days before suffering a season-ending knee injury, I lost my grandmother. Within a single week, my world turned upside down. I couldn’t play, and the grief and frustration felt overwhelming on top of school. Watching from the sidelines was one of the hardest things, when all I wanted to do was get out on the field again. But my teammates, coaches, trainers, and family never let me feel alone. They reminded me that I was still part of the team, still part of something bigger than myself. Their support carried me through one of the darkest times in my life, and I am beyond proud to say that as a team we won the PSUAC Championship!

Now, in my junior year, Penn State Schuylkill is so much more than just a campus, it’s my second home. My teammates are my family, and I look forward to practicing every single day, not just for the game, but for hard work, laughter, and being a part of this incredible team.

Overall, being here at Penn State Schuylkill and playing soccer has shown me my resilience, my determination, and the strength of the family I’ve found here. I am forever grateful for the support that surrounds me each and every day both on and off the field. As I look ahead, I cannot wait to create memories within the next two years that will be with me forever.