Most kids dream about being an astronaut, a movie star or a pro athlete when they grow up. Not many of those dreams come true. But for Sauquoit native Jess Jecko, her dreams have become reality as she will represent Team USA in field hockey.

Jecko, who graduated from Syracuse University on Saturday, gets to say she's a field hockey goalie for Team USA. "I get to play field hockey as my full time job, which not many people get to say they can do. That's just crazy to even thing about."

I really have to thank my high school coach for pushing me and my family and friend for encouraging me. Syracuse is a top elite program and I wasn't sure if I was ready

25-30 of the top field hockey athletes form around the country are on the team that will travel the world. But representing team USA isn't where the goals stop for Jecko. She says she's got her eye on the 2020 Olympics. "My name is in the 2016 Olympics but there have been goalies that have been training 7 years for this. But if my name gets called I'll be more than happy to jump in and play."

Dreams of playing field hockey for a living came late for Jecko. She says she didn't even start playing until high school. Luckily, her talents caught the eye of someone at Syracuse University, and the rest is history. "I really have to thank my high school coach for pushing me and my family and friend for encouraging me. Syracuse is a top elite program and I wasn't sure if I was ready."

Traveling the world playing field hockey may be what Jecko gets to do for a living but she doesn't forget where she came from. She's paying it forward by encouraging kids interested in playing field hockey to reach out. "I really appreciate the community support and I'll be at a lot of local camps this year, that was my main goal. Reach out to me on Facebook anytime."

We're looking forward to watching Jecko's journey and hoping one day when her team wins an Olympic medal we can say "remember when."


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