THE BASICS

Name: Jessica Shaffelburg

Position: Midfield/Defender

Major: Nursing

Hometown: Port Williams, Nova Scotia, Canada

PLAYING CAREER

Co-captain Jessica Shaffelburg has been a mainstay on the Dolphins' backline this season. Over her career, she has played in 59 matches over the past four seasons, starting 46. She has scored two goals and four assists for a total of eight points, collecting 73 shots and 34 shots-on-goal. She has been a starter in every game the past two seasons, and logged the most minutes on the team in 2016. In a pivotal late-season conference match against Stetson on Oct 21, 2016, Shaffelburg scored a goal and two assists, helping the team to a 3-2 victory over the Hatters that allowed them to clinch a spot in the conference tournament.

REFLECTION: Q & A

Q: Immediate future plans?

A: "I'd like to stay in America, and possibly go to a different state and experience different places. I've had travel nursing in mind, and with that you can choose the top three states that you would like to go to. I also may possibly go back to school for nursing, but it's a little up in the air right now."

Q: Favorite soccer memory while on the team?

A: "I loved as a freshman being the youngest on the team, and having people welcome you in. On the field, my favorite memory would probably have to be the game against Stetson. It was a real win-or-lose situation, and helped us get into the conference tournament." (See above)

Q: What have you learned from being on the team?

A: "I've learned that time management is extremely important, with school, friends, family, and soccer. I've also learned that it's important to keep a good relationship with your teammates, because they're going through exactly what you're going through."

Q: What advice would you leave for the rest of the team?

A: "Always keep the love for soccer, no matter what's going on. Always try to have that love for soccer."

Q: Any shout outs you would like to give?

A: "Shout out to my family, because they've helped me get here. I would definitely not be here without them. Also, my fellow seniors, for staying with me the whole time."