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Laurentian University Lady Vees soccer midfielder Renee Jacques is on the field from start to finish in league games. She is constantly in motion and talking to her teammates. She takes no prisoners on the field and thinks nothing of sacrificing her body to make a play.
Jacques steamrolls into opposing defenders. She relentlessly dishes out her will in battles over loose balls. Nothing stops her from attacking and driving forward against the opposition every second she is on the field.
Foes have little choice but to break the rules to even try to attempt to contain Jacques. Jacques gets tripped up and crashes hard to the ground in a heap of flying grass and dirt. Moments later, she is pushed to the ground from behind by two opponents in a scrum for the ball. Every time she hits the ground, she is back on her feet in a blink of an eye and back in the action. Her hustle is key.
Jacques never stops going hard and pushing her limits on the pitch. Jacques is doing exactly what she is suppose to be doing, and she is doing it to a tee.
Jacques is a wily veteran on a young Lady Vees team. She has five years of university experience, and it is her final year of eligibility.
The Lo-Ellen Park graduate is being counted on to deliver leadership and inspired play by coaches and teammates this season. She is being called upon to set an example for all players to follow.
“This year, I am hoping to help out the team through my experience," she said. "Having seven rookies on the team, I am going to help them with their transition into the OUA.
"There is nothing like wearing my blue and gold. I love my hometown and I am proud to end my career as a Lady Vees player.”
Jacques is just as tenacious and driven in the classroom. On the field, she is determined to make a difference in each game and practice. In life, she is aiming to be a person who makes a difference in people’s lives. She was accepted into the Northern Ontario School of Medicine for 2012 after graduating from the Kinesiology program.
When Jacques transferred to Laurentian from Ottawa University in 2009, she began volunteering at St. Joseph’s Villa. She was essentially following in the path her parents made — her father is a physician and her mother is a nurse. It sparked her passion for medicine. The move back to Greater Sudbury was the game-changer for Jacques. It brought everything into perspective.
“I haven’t always wanted to be a doctor,” she said. “I realized when I came back to Sudbury, I really enjoyed being in my hometown and it was where I wanted to be. I was able to watch my parents first-hand help family, friends and the community with their medical backgrounds as a doctor and nurse. I decided then I wanted to become a doctor here in Sudbury.”
There is nothing like wearing my blue and gold. I love my hometown and I am proud to end my career as a Lady Vees player.
Renee Jacques,
Lady Vees soccer player
Jacques has earned the respect of her teammates and coaches due to her work ethic and presence on and off the field. She was named an assistant captain for 2012. Jacques relates well to everyone and has a distinct quality younger players admire.
“What makes Renee one of the best teammates I have ever had is she knows she is not perfect and does make mistakes," defender Samantha Innocente said. "She is always looking for ways to better herself and is always open to suggestions.
"She’s one of the hardest workers I have ever met and is ambitious, which sets the bar for the work ethic that is to be expected. She is driven and motivated when she sets her mind to something.”
Jacques patrols the centre midfield for Laurentian. She has become the identity of the midfield. She brings staunch defence — her bread and butter — and deceptive offensive firepower. Her actions and attitude serve as a standard. Her dedication to fitness and preparation is “second to none.”
The coaches don’t mince words when it comes to Jacques' impact on the team and in games.
“Renee is a balanced person who is highly respected,” head coach Rob Gallo said. “She mentors our first year players as a big sister. Renee is passionate about the game and her teammates. She is never satisfied with her performance. She always believes she could have done better, even when we win. Renee is the midfield engine finely tuned with a lot of horsepower.”
Jacques is ready for her biggest role in soccer and biggest challenge in school.
“I think this season the Lady Vees are going to be about teamwork. I am really excited. I cannot wait to see how we progress as a team,” she said.
