Although he’s no longer on Penn State’s football team because of health issues, Joey Julius remains Jessica Resendes’ inspiration.

The former kicker was not only known for how well he kicked the pigskin, but for his defense after kicking (not something most kickers get involved in).

Watching video of players trying to block Julius after a kick, Resendes declares that it “makes me want to be the best I can be so that people can be mad at me for being a good player.”

Another reason she likes him:  “He hits people dumb hard, which I love and aspire to do to others.”

So says the junior, who is playing for the Hatters’ JV football squad as its starting kicker.

Resendes said joining a male-dominant sport  was a chance for her to “change something that people think only guys can do.”

Coach Donald Williams said of his kicker, who has kickoff, FG and PAT duties, that “she is a hard worker and is a positive role model for her teammates.”

He added that Resendes “is a determined hard worker. She has brought to the team skills and attributes that she has learned and developed in relation to her JROTC training.”

In addition to Williams’ support, Resendes said Varsity coach Alex Trasacco has also been encouraging, esp ecially when it came to going out for the team.

“Coach Trasacco helped me because I was motivated to join but not sure if I was able to because I am a female,” she recalled. “He is helping me on the way along with the other coaches.”

She added, “I honestly thought it was going to be difficult. But it is just like trying to join any other sport, as long as you’re motivated and prepared to face some challenges mentally and physically.”

Her father, she said, was a former ball player and he cultivated her love for the sport from a young age.

“I’m very passionate about the sport. I put my heart into it. “Football has impacted my life in such a positive manner, and I’ve made great friends through it. Despite the fact of losing some games, we lift each other up each time to prepare ourselves and motivate one another to do better next time.”

However, there have been some difficulties. She explained that she has had “to deal with people who are not accepting of me playing football because I am a female.”
Her response?

“I don’t care what they think, but to have people just constantly talking smack about how I shouldn’t be playing gets annoying. It can get to me, but I’ve learned not to care.”

Resendes said she uses the negativity as a motivational tool.

Luckily, her teammates have been there for her.

Sophomore Bernie Delacruz, who plays wide receiver and safety, said his kicker has talent.

“She’s impacted this team not only in the game but at practice, too. She keeps all of us in line when we aren’t paying attention and she’s been a big help in special teams.”

Delacruz mentioned that Jessica is a player that is eager to play the game and puts in effort at all times.

“We’ve been looking for players who want to play the game and you don’t see that nowadays,” he said. “You just have ‘players’ who just want to be part of the team but not put in any work. Jessica’s the opposite.”

As of Oct. 4, the JV team is 2-2. Williams recalled in the team’s 14-8 win against Capital Prep, Resendes had a key role.

In the last five minutes of the game, while down 8 to 7, Resendes was sent onto the field to try a 30 yard field goal. The kick went through the uprights, but Capital Prep roughed the kicker.

“That gave us the ball on the 8 yard line,” Williams recalled. “Two plays later, Juan Jimenez scored the go-ahead touchdown. Jessica made the PAT (she went 2 for 2 on the day, 3 for 5 on the season so far).”

Trasacco, meanwhile, is keeping his eye on Resendes. “She is a great person who is developing everyday.”

As far as next year goes, Resendes has a plan.

“I do intend to play Varsity next year 100 percent.”