Balancing Athletic Pursuits with Academic Commitment
KUDUS — The final whistle sounded at the Supersoccer Arena (SSA) in Kudus on Saturday (6/27/2026), marking the end of the MilkLife Soccer Challenge (MLSC) All Stars 2026 semifinal match. Players were scattered across the pitch, some comforting one another, while others struggled to contain their disappointment. Among them was Jesshica, a student at SDK Santa Maria Goretti Balikpapan, who had been brought on as a guest star to bolster the Surabaya All Stars squad.
Just a day earlier, her goal had secured the Surabaya All Stars a spot in the semifinals. However, their run ended with a loss to the Kudus All Stars. Jesshica could not hide her tears as the reality of their exit from the tournament set in.
While the 2-1 defeat to the host Kudus All Stars ended their dreams of reaching the final, the 12-year-old from Balikpapan viewed the experience as more than just a match score. For her, the lessons learned held far more value than a simple victory.
"I’m quite sad about the loss, but the biggest takeaway from this match is that we need to be more motivated, stay cohesive, and improve our communication. Throughout this tournament, we showed great unity and a strong mentality," said the young player, who cites Neymar Jr as her idol.
Jesshica’s perspective on the defeat reflects her daily outlook: she believes every process offers an opportunity to learn. It is a principle she applies not only on the pitch but also when facing academic challenges.
On the pitch, Jesshica is known as an agile striker who makes bold decisions and isn't afraid to pressure the opposition. However, off the field, the student from SDK Santa Maria Goretti Balikpapan, who plays for the Surabaya All Stars team, balances a significant secondary pursuit.
She is a math olympiad medalist who remains actively involved in various national-level competitions.
For some, soccer and mathematics might seem unrelated, but Jesshica finds them complementary.
"Soccer teaches me discipline, while math teaches me how to think. They both support each other," she said.
Her journey began within her family, as both her father and younger sibling enjoy soccer. It was through this simple influence that Jesshica started playing, gradually training more seriously until she eventually joined the SSB Mitra Teras Balikpapan soccer school.
She trained there alongside male players, a necessity because Balikpapan lacked girls' teams for her age group, forcing her to adapt to a different training environment.
Meanwhile, her passion for mathematics flourished after she began taking abacus lessons. Her perseverance in mastering calculations eventually led her to compete in various Olympiads, where she achieved recognition at the national level.
Balancing two demanding pursuits requiring consistent effort is no simple task. Jesshica must manage her time with discipline to ensure both her training and education remain on track.
Her routine includes math tutoring on Mondays, while soccer practice is scheduled for Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. When schedules overlap, she adjusts accordingly to meet team requirements without neglecting her academic responsibilities.
“I want to prove that athletes can also excel in school,” she said.
That ambition carries a message far broader than her personal journey. Jesshica’s story illustrates that sports achievement and academic success are not mutually exclusive. With proper time management and discipline, both can thrive side by side.
The MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 served as a pivotal part of that process. Although it didn't end with a trophy, the tournament provided her with valuable competition experience, the chance to connect with peers from various regions, and furthered her aspirations of becoming an accomplished female soccer player without sacrificing her education.
“Whether winning or losing, I always learn from every match and every exam,” she explained.
Such simple words capture the essence of Jesshica's journey thus far. At just 12 years old, she continues to learn that every match and every school lesson bring challenges that must be met with commitment.
Behind her journey lies the immense support of a family that encourages her every step of the way.
Her father, Efendi, shared that he took nearly a month off work to accompany his daughter during training camp in Surabaya before she appeared in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026.
“In Balikpapan, there are no girls' teams in Jesshica’s age group, so she trains with boys. After frequently participating in competitions in Surabaya, she finally earned the opportunity to join the Surabaya All Stars team. We are grateful to the many people who have helped Jesshica develop,” he said.
For the family, support extends well beyond the training pitch. Efendi noted that they also prioritize keeping education at the forefront of her development.
In addition to taking her to practice, the family monitors her study schedule and rest periods, and limits device usage to a maximum of two hours per day. He believes that discipline is the foundation for Jesshica to grow in a balanced way.
“Jesshica is also active in math Olympiads. We always remind her that school remains essential. Thankfully, both areas have been able to progress together,” he said.
Jesshica's journey in the MilkLife Soccer Challenge All Stars 2026 ended in the semifinals, yet her story extends far beyond the match results. She returns home with valuable experience, lessons, and the conviction that dedication on the field complements academic achievement. Balancing every goal chased with every math problem solved, Jesshica continues to pursue her dreams one step at a time, fueled by discipline, family support, and an unwavering commitment to learning. (JMY/ITN/DN/mainkekudus)
