Shipley girls' soccer head coach Chris Nelson: "Jess is an exceptionally strong attacking midfielder; she not only has incredible field vision, but also has a real sense of where to place the ball.  She has really proven to be a tremendous finisher, scoring some of the biggest goals of our season.  Not only does she have great power and accuracy from outside the penalty box, but she has an uncanny ability for tracking down loose balls in front of the goal."  Rosenbluth also helped the Gators capture the Inter-Ac championship as a freshman.

CENTER OF FURY: Rosenbluth has been the center midfielder for the FC Delco Fury for the past three years. She started playing soccer at age 6 for the Lower Merion Fireballs as a left forward, then was moved to outside left midfielder until she joined the Fury. "What I like best about playing midfield is the ability to see the whole field, and help control the pace of the game," said Rosenbluth. "I love locating my open teammates and putting them in a position to be successful offensively."

Asked what mentors have been most influential to her soccer career, Rosenbluth responded, "My first coach Noah Gorson, who got me interested in the game. My current coach, Steve Frey of FC Delco, whom I have been with for six years, has had a huge impact on my game. He has set my teammates and I up with wonderful opportunities to showcase ourselves for the next level.

"Steve, along with Jim Mcgirr (head coach of Providence College) and Paul Royal (head coach of LaSalle University) have improved my game tremendously, all have encouraged me and pushed me to become the player I am today. My coaches at Shipley have helped me become a better leader and make soccer so much fun."

FUTURE NITTANY LION: Next fall, Rosenbluth will play Division I soccer at Penn State, where she hopes to play center midfield and major in communications.

Rosenbluth, "Penn State provides me with the best of all worlds: a great education, and a great Division I team. The Penn State coaches had a huge impact on my decision [to attend]. I am very impressed by their approach to soccer players both on and off the field - they will be great role models for me."

The Shipley senior also is a fine lacrosse player, earning All-Friends School League honors last spring while helping the Gators win the league title.

— By BRUCE ADAMS
Reprinted courtesy of The Main Line Times