Terrapins star's small stature a nice disguise

By KEITH NIEBUHR
Published November 1, 2005

TAMPA - The way Jessica Peterson sees it, she has no choice.

She has to be stronger than her opponents.

And faster.

She has to outhustle them, outwork them, outthink them.

When you're 5-foot-1, there simply is no other way.

"I've always been the small kid," Peterson said. "You have to compensate for the fact you're not that tall."

And compensate she has.

The talented Tampa Prep midfielder, expected to be among the area's premier players this winter, was a Times all-county pick last season after finishing with 13 goals and seven assists. And her stats, though solid, could have been better.

"She played defense half the year," Terrapins coach Pam Smith said.

Peterson, a junior, has played soccer since she was 6. As a child, she often watched her older brother Jason practice. Before long, she asked her parents if she could play, and soccer quickly became her passion. She learned the game from Jason and thinks competing against him not only made her better but also tougher.

"It was a good competitive thing," Peterson said. "I really wanted to beat him, and I felt like if I could beat him I could beat anyone. I didn't win very often, but if I beat him one out of 10, it was the best feeling."

Peterson made the varsity as a ninth-grader, but a knee injury sidelined her most of the season. As a sophomore, she made an immediate impact on offense and defense. Though midfield was Peterson's main position, Smith often moved her to other spots in crucial situations because of her versatility.

"I can play her at any position," Smith said.

That said, Peterson is best with the ball.

Her passes are crisp and accurate. Her booming shots are among the most powerful around. She creates offense for herself and helps others with theirs. Her athletic ability is tough to match.

"She isn't afraid to take charge of the situation," Tampa Prep sweeper Alyssa Olson said.

Offense, though, is only part of Peterson's value. She's among the squad's most vocal players, is one of three captains, has a strong understanding of the sport and puts in a great deal of time in the weight room. For good measure, she carries a 3.76 GPA and wants to attend Yale.

"She's a complete player and is 100 percent dedicated to the game," Smith said.

And as for being a little on the short side?

Well, let's just say it hasn't been a hindrance thus far.

"Once people play me they realize that I may be short, but I'm not a joke," Peterson said.

--Times staff writer Keith Niebuhr can be reached at 226-3350 or online at niebuhr@sptimes.com

[Last modified November 1, 2005, 02:15:27]