By: John Jay Sports Information
This week, johnjayathletics.com caught up with former student-athlete Jessica Monge ('17). Monge was a four-year veteran of the women's soccer program. The defender appeared in 58 games while making 36 starts. In her senior season, the Uniondale, NY native tallied a goal against St. Joseph's College Brooklyn. The Forensic Psychology major and Gender Studies minor was a scholar athlete and a member of the National Honor Society of Leadership & Success (Sigma Alpha Pi). Off the field, Monge worked for the CUNY Service Corps and was the Philanthropic Chair of Theta Phi Gamma Inc. She also had the privilege of studying abroad in Spain.
1) Where has life taken you since you graduated from John Jay College of Criminal Justice?
Since graduating two years ago, I've gone from exploring the law field to working with children full-time. I have found a love for my current career as an ABA Therapist and Registered Behavior Technician. During these two years, I have also become a certified phlebotomist and a Youth Advocate for The Young Center (non-profit that works to find the best interest of immigrant children separated at the border). I am also on the road of creating a non-profit organization and plan to go to law school next year.
2) What personal or professional accomplishment(s) are you most proud of since you graduated?
I am most proud of the work I am doing with children and creating my non-profit. Whether it's for my job working with children on the autism spectrum or volunteering at The Young Center I genuinely notice the impact and changes I am making. The non-profit is also directed to children, currently in El Salvador, to help them continue playing soccer and stay in healthy engagements in the community.
3) What are you most proud of from your time as a Bloodhound?
I am most proud of the encouragement and support I was able to give as a Bloodhound. I did my best to make an impact on every new member on the team both on and off the field and I hope it has carried over throughout the years. I loved everyone and I hope they've shared that love with incoming Bloodhounds.
4) What advice would you give your college self/current Bloodhounds?
Enjoy your college experience, join clubs, build relationships; these will be your lifetime friends. If you have a plan after college, that is wonderful and if you don't, that's okay too. It's important to have a plan, but it's ok to be flexible because life throws you opportunities that you least expect and can lead to something better. Also, if you need a break after college that's okay too. Put you and your mental health first.
5) What did you learn in your time at John Jay that has stayed with you in your post-collegiate life?
Time management if a lifetime thing. I am so grateful I learned to balance sports, school, work, and extra-curricular in college because it not only helped build the non-profit organization, but also has helped me get employed as well.
6) Are you still involved with sports? If so, how?
I play pick up with friends from time to time, but my main involvement mainly revolves around creating opportunities for youth and women in El Salvador to play soccer.
2019 Women's Soccer Update: The Bloodhounds finished 2019 with their best season in program history. After capturing the Regular Season Championship after finishing a perfect 5-0, the Bloodhounds cruised to the CUNYAC Title match. Trailing by one with less than 20 minutes left in regulation, John Jay scored two goals to propel them to their first CUNYAC Championship in school history. Junior
Kimberly Robledo became the program's all-time leader in goals after notching her 23rd collegiate goal on September 11th. Sophomore
Katie Healy continues to dominate the conference as she was named the CUNYAC Player of the Year.
To view all of the previous Alumni Spotlights, please visit www.johnjayathletics.com/alumnispotlight.
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