Jess D’Errico: Gucci Goalkeeper

D’Errico’s teammates were  quick to comment on her confidence in the goal. “As a player, she is strong and confident,” said Morgan Bloom ’20. Emma DeNaples ’19 said, “She’s very calm and collected and she definitely knows what she’s talking about.”

D’Errico herself noted the importance of poise under pressure: “I love the pressure and responsibility that comes with being a goalie. I am very confident in my abilities, which is something that a goalie needs to be able to do. [It’s important] to be confident that you are telling your defenders what they should be doing.” 

Grace Rhatigan ’21 and Zoe Kim ’20 emphasized D’Errico’s communication and vision. “From her position on the field, she can see everything and she’s bomb at communication,” said Rhatigan. Kim added, “She [has] the best pair of eyes on the field, and she uses them to her full capability [by] talking and directing the [defense], which is super helpful during games.”

D’Errico’s vision and confidence are matched by her athleticism and technical skill. “She’s a great allaround athlete,” D’Errico’s coach, Gerard Casanova, said. “She understands her position very, very well,” he added, continuing, “[Our goalie] coach, Mr. Wallach, one of the most well-known coaches in Connecticut, sees her as one of the most talented goalies that he has ever seen.” This talent has led to league-wide recognition: “I won FAA honorable-mention last year and sophomore year,” D’Errico remembered. Casanova added, “She was one of our two players selected to the New England [WNEPSSA] junior team.”

But this success is not merely the result of natural ability. “She’s very much the kind of athlete that really worked hard to be who she is today,” Casanova said. “Not that she wasn’t talented, but she really worked at it.” Kim also noted D’Errico’s impressive work ethic, saying, “She always gives it her all and it’s really admirable to see on the field.”

D’Errico’s work ethic and talent have made her a respected leader. Morgan Bloom ’20 praised D’Errico’s leadership, saying, “She is supportive, strong, positive, and a fantastic leader to everyone on and off the field,” she stated. “As a captain she is positive and always looking to build confidence and strength in all of her players.” Emma Lipman ’19 said, “[Jess] is super nice and funny. She’s always been someone I’ve admired. She always gives 100% effort and is a great captain to look up to.”

D’Errico has high hopes for her final soccer season at Hopkins. “We want to win FAA championships. We came close last year; we [made] the finals, and we were two goals short, so hopefully we can [win this year].” Regardless of how the season ends, D’Errico plans to continue playing after Hopkins, possibly at the club level.