Athlete Spotlight: Jessica Robert

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications 

SALEM, Mass.-  Our athlete spotlight features alternate captain Jessica Robert (North Reading, Mass.). Robert played a pivotal role in the Vikings' 3-2 victory over Albertus Mangus, scoring twice, as Salem State won the first-ever Viking Cup last week.   

Robert a nursing major, spoke about the Viking Cup Tournament. "This past week[end] was extremely fun, and we were all looking forward to it as soon as we knew we had a holiday tournament. As this was the first annual Viking Cup, it was very exciting for all of us because we had never been a part of a holiday tournament, so with us getting to host and then winning the championship was very exciting and a special time/feeling." 

The grad-student described the first and second goals that she scored that helped her team be victorious.  "The win  against Albertus Mangus in the championship game; it was an entire team effort and everyone played a pivotal role. In terms of the first goal, it was an entire effort by everyone out on the ice – the first goal was off of multiple rebounds. The goalie had gone down after the first shot, so we screened the goalie and then the puck popped out between the goalie's pads right by the goal line and I pushed it in to go over the goal line. The second goal – it was off of a power play and the puck was shot and ended up in the corner. I skated (around the circle from the boards) and took the shot with screens in front, which ended up going bar down. With both of these goals it would have not been possible without the team and each player playing a role. Whether it was communication from the entire team of where the open ice was, screening in front of the net/goalie, fighting for the puck, and overall working together, everyone played a role in the game and weekend."  

Robert spoke about how Salem State skated to a 5-1 victory over MCLA in the opening game, which helped the Vikings to move on to the championship game. "The MCLA game, everyone worked together and specifically there were five different Vikings that scored. During the game everyone was working/clicking together and shooting from many different areas. With screening of the goalie, to back door passes, teammates had the lane to shoot and we were able to capitalize off of it. It was also [Aislinn Bennett and Isabelle Besser] first goals, of the season and in their [collegiate] career, so it was additionally very exciting too. We took all of the great plays we made and carried it into Saturday, where we built off of it in order to win the game."  

Salem State ended the first half of the semester on a good note as they won three straight games heading into the second half of the season. "We ended with a three-game winning streak. It is important going into break to have those games to build from, but also knowing how we have improved from the beginning of the semester to now. With everyone, it was clicking that we know/understand each other's play and how we work/play together." 

She spoke about the difference that she has in her routine before practice and before games. "Before each game there is a specific routine that I have, as well as practice, but they vary just a little. For practice and games the off-ice warm-ups are similar, but before each off-ice warm ups for game days, I tape my stick, whereas for practice I usually do not unless it is needed. Then we warm-up as a team, then if it is practice I'll stretch, catch up with teammates with their days, and play with the soccer ball (we call him 'Willy') by the locker room. On game days I will still stretch and play with Willy, but I listen to my game playlist in a specific spot in the rink. The routines are very similar with a few adjustments." 

As for her off-season routine, this is what she had to say. "During the off-season it is extremely important to stay in shape in order to come into the season ready to play. Now that we are going into break, we have a work-out plan for us that we follow, but also skate whenever possible. We're lucky that we have ice here that we are able to use, so utilizing that and also mixing in bike workouts."  

Robert expressed her favorite memory as a Viking. "I have a lot of favorite memories as a Viking, but I would say being able to play college hockey while getting my degree and making memories surrounded by teammates who turned into family.   

The North Reading native shared who she is inspired by to play the game of hockey. "I would say that my family is my biggest inspiration as they always support me and allow me to follow my dreams. My brothers paved the path for me as I saw them playing hockey and my parents allowed all of us to try and were supportive in my path."    

A particular game that resonates with the grad-student is this past weekend when the Vikings hosted the Viking Cup Tournament. "As I am a grad-student there are a lot of games that resonate with me as a Viking. There are specific games and specific plays within those games that resonate with me, but I would say the Viking Cup games. Although the most recent games, the Viking Cup games were huge, it was our first holiday tournament ever, and being able to win the Cup as a team together was really special." 

Robert started playing hockey when she was around 5-6 years old and talked about how she can be a game-changer during the course of the game. "Throughout the course of a game, I focus on the little details that will add up to bigger details in the game. Whether it is communication on/off the ice with teammates, winning corner battles, off the board passing, screening the goalie, shooting; all of the little details add up that are important. So focusing on the little details with my teammates goes a long way and can be game changers." 

She talked about her idols. "There are a lot of people that I look-up to and admire, but I would say my family are my idols. Between my brothers and parents, they have always allowed me to follow my dreams, supporting me in anyway, and have pushed me to be the best that I can be. They have guided me in so many ways and I would not be where I am or the person I am today without them."  

A professional player she would love to see is Patrice Bergeron from the Boston Bruins. "A professional player that I have always looked up to is Patrice Bergeron. As he recently retired from the Boston Bruins, he still continues to make an impact to the team and league. Bergeron has a positive and hard-working mentality as well as supporting his teammates on/off the ice into being the best hockey players, but also people they can be."  

She talked about a person who has impacted her in such a unique way. "I would not say one specific person in my life, because everyone has played such an impactful role, but my family has impacted my life in a unique way. In addition, all of my teammates and coaches throughout the years, in college, high school, youth; each has played a specific role into who I am as a player and person today."  

The grad-student talks about an interesting fact about her. "A random fact about me that may not be known is that I don't use clear tape on the outside of my socks; I tape it right on my shin guards. I also can sing the ABC's backwards and know all the presidents."  

For vacation, Robert would like to travel to all 50 states of the United States. "There are a lot of places I would like to go for vacation domestically and internationally, but I have always wanted to travel to all 50 states. I have just always wanted to see the entire country and different living styles within the United States."    

She expressed how difficult it is to be a student-athlete. "Being a student-athlete is a lot about time management. After your class, practice, and game schedules are established, being able to know yourself and the work you have, it is about balance. There are times where studying for a test or having a paper/project is due, but understanding where you have time during the day, it helps. I have a calendar in order to manage the time."  

Robert has a message for all the student-athletes at Salem State. "For all of the student-athletes at Salem State, I would say always work your hardest and have fun. Enjoy the little moments and make memories with your teammates – they'll always be by your side."  

Mark your calendar for January 5, 2024 when Robert and the Vikings will return back to action to take on New England College for an NEHC conference game. Game time is at 6 p.m. at the Rockett Arena.