Football's finest Jessica Au
Monash University’s own Jessica Au is a rare breed, someone
who thrives under the glare of bright lights.
Jessica is not only an elite soccer player, but also
undertaking her Medicine degree at Monash.
Having been touted as a promising player, Jess has been part
of the Melbourne Victory system since the age of 16 years and signed a
professional contract with Victory in 2014.
Jess described the day she was offered a senior contract.
“I was just sitting in the change room getting ready because
I had got to training early, we knew that he would make a squad announcement in
the next week or two but I wasn't expecting him to offer me a contract right
there and then, he did it so casually, just walked up and asked how my day was
and then he said your hard work has finally paid off, I’m going to offer you a
senior victory contract,” said Jess.
“I promised myself I'd stick with it until I made the senior
squad and it was amazing to sign on with a team who had won the premiership the
year before.”
Currently Jess is playing for Southern United in the WNPL
while she completes her first year of Medicine in Gippsland.
“It has been tough to manage, especially because Monash’s
postgraduate Medical school is in Gippsland, which meant I had to leave my
initial club, Calder United, because it was now 3 hours away.”
Jess was part of the Calder United team that won the 2016 NPLW
championship, beating Galaxy United in extra time to win the grand final.
Despite leaving her club and prioritising her degree this year, Jess is adamant she will return to the NPL and make her way back into the W-league or shift her focus into futsal where she will be heading off to Nationals with the Victorian squad later on in the year.
“Once I get this year of Medical school over, I'll be able to
return back to Victory and have another crack at the W-league.”
Whilst it’s going to be tough to juggle studying Medicine
and a promising soccer career, Jess is on the right track to become a great
doctor with a successful soccer career.
Jess has also represented Monash University at two Australian
University Games campaigns in outdoor (2015) and futsal (2016), being selected
in the green and gold squad for both tournaments.
The futsal Team Organiser described Jess as an “absolute
superstar, with a lot of skill and grace.”
Her talents will be on display later this year, as Jess will be part of a
strong women’s outdoor team that will compete at the 2017 Australian University
Games on the Gold Coast.
The aim for the team is gold, with Jess targeting selection
for the green and gold squad.
Jess is revered in the AUG soccer circle, with many turning
to her when games are at a crucial point.
Why you may ask, you will just have to come down and watch
her play one day to truly understand how good she is.
Go get ‘em Jess! #monashpride
#bleedblue #teammonash
Written by: James Oana
Media Coordinator
