PRINCETON/STERLING — When Wachusett Regional High’s Jesse Ayres tore her meniscus in November 2022 and had surgery the following March, there was deep concern that her 2023 varsity soccer season would be hanging in the balance. After all, a full reconstruction, she was told, could take many months to heal. Time was not so much on her side, but don’t tell that to this scrappy junior defender, who not only played but did so as a team captain.
“I was super nervous that I wouldn’t be able to play, because when I was going into surgery, they weren’t sure what they were going to do,” Ayres explained. “It was either take out my meniscus and fix it or do a full reconstruction, which was going to take a full six months to recover.
“I was nervous that my fitness wouldn’t be as good. That was the main part I was scared about. I knew the game wasn’t going to leave me, but it was (a matter of) getting back to wherever everyone else was. I still feel it some, because meniscus is all impact.”
Ayres put in the hard work that led to her reconstruction following the surgery. She returned just in time to be named a team captain and was a stalwart defender throughout the season. Her tireless effort, commitment to team, and leadership skills made the move a no-brainer, according to varsity head coach Emma Mailman.
“Jesse is a dedicated and consistent player on our team. She exemplifies the qualities of a hard worker and a natural leader, especially when it comes to communication on the back line. Whenever she steps onto the field, you can be sure that she will give her all, delivering 100% effort.
“One of the remarkable aspects of Jesse’s character is her unwavering self-critique. She consistently evaluates her own performance and actively seeks ways to improve. Jesse’s humility and her willingness to ask questions demonstrate her commitment to constant growth. When there is work to be done, Jesse will grind until she reaches her goals.
“Beyond the contributions on the field, Jesse is a genuine and caring friend to all off the pitch. She is the first to check in with her teammates, ensuring everyone is doing OK, and she never hesitates to boost team morale when needed. Jesse’s supportive nature makes her a valuable asset to our team, both in terms of performance and camaraderie. We are fortunate to have her as part of our community.”
Ayres was introduced to the game of soccer early on by her parents, who both played the game semi-professionally.
“I’ve had soccer with me my whole life,” she said. “They’re (parents) big into it, and that’s how they met, so soccer has always been a big part of my life. I started playing at 4, and it just hasn’t stopped.
“I used to be a midfielder until freshman year when I started playing defense a lot more. It comes easier for me. It was a better fit for me, and since then I’ve been rocking it in the defense.
“I was never going to be the one who would score a lot of goals, but I have a lot of power behind everything I do. I may not be the fastest, especially on the left-side defense, and there are players about 6 feet tall and they can fly. I need to support my team by being there for everyone.
“You always have to be that your keeping in check with your emotions and make sure you’re just not making decisions for yourself but for everyone. Sometimes you do have to psych people up and take responsibility. You can’t make people happy all of the time. You have to analyze what’s best for the team. These girls are like family, so you have to respect that.
“Your soccer IQ grows, which is a huge part of my game because I’m not the fastest player on the field. I don’t have many technical skills, but my vision on the field is very good. I was always taught that I should be a leader and communicate on the field because that’s how you’ll help your team the most. I’ve played year-round and the game has always been around me, but most of all, you’ve got to enjoy it.
“We’ve come to realize that making a big hit is as big as scoring a goal in some senses. I take pride in that, and also you can score from anywhere. It also depends on how much you want it. I know my place and my role and how it helps the team scoring goals and moving forward.
“It’s important to give people time to calm down and settle down. We all know we win as a team and lose as a team, and it’s no one person’s fault. Anything that happens, happens for a reason.”
Ayres is a member of the National Honor Society and prides herself on finding time for sports and excelling in academics. She also makes time to coach youth soccer and takes great pride each and every time she slips on the Wachusett uniform.
“Wachusett is a huge pride thing, and having that name on your jersey is a big thing,” she said. “We are privileged to be able to play the teams that we play on and put on a jersey. It’s a good thing to know you’re a part of a community. Being able to represent your school is very honorable.”
