In this episode, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with former professional soccer player Jordan Jeslova to explore a journey that was anything but linear.
From falling in love with the game at just three years old to competing at Santa Clara University and reaching the professional level, Jordan’s story is one of passion, resilience, and determination. But it is also shaped by injuries, setbacks, and difficult decisions that ultimately led her to redefine her relationship with the game.
Now, Jordan is building something new through the Neighborhood Sports Club in Oakland—creating a space centered on community, inclusivity, and bringing the joy back to soccer.
- Former Division I athlete at Santa Clara University
- Played professionally with OL Reign (NWSL) and Stabæk (Norway)
- Youth National Team experience
- Co-founder of Neighborhood Sports Club (Oakland)
[00:00:28] Early beginnings and growing up in a soccer family
[00:05:00] The importance of watching the game and self-practice
[00:08:31] Role models and early development
[00:13:09] A coaching experience that nearly led her to quit
[00:14:26] Finding the right environment and support system
[00:19:47] Recruiting journey and choosing Santa Clara
[00:24:41] ACL injury and the mental toll of recovery
[00:27:20] Staying connected to the team during rehab
[00:31:36] Health challenges before entering the professional level
[00:33:08] Playing abroad and facing additional injuries
[00:33:56] Making the decision to step away from playing
[00:35:30] Why every athlete’s path is unique
[00:36:50] Rediscovering love for the game
[00:39:53] Founding Neighborhood Sports Club
[00:43:16] Creating inclusive soccer spaces for all levels
- There is no single or perfect path to becoming a professional athlete
- Passion and self-driven effort are essential to long-term success
- Coaching and environment play a critical role in development
- Injuries require both physical and mental resilience
- The game can evolve into new forms beyond competition
Jordan’s story offers a real and honest look at the journey to professional sports—the highs, the setbacks, and the resilience required to navigate both.
It also highlights an important truth: stepping away from playing does not mean losing the game. Soccer can continue to shape identity, community, and purpose in meaningful new way.
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