Jacquelyn Farquhar, a defenseman with the FSC Fusion U17 Premier team, was recently named “Athlete of the Week” (January 11-17) by O&E for her performance with the Farmington United Gymnastics team. In a January dual-meet win over Livonia Red, she averaged 9.05 per event, with an all-around score of 36.20. Her individual scores were a 9.3 (beam), 9.0 (vault) and 8.95 (bars and floor).
The strength of gymnastics and the stamina of soccer combine to make her a force, both on the field and on the mat.
“Being a two sport athlete definitely helps me in both sports. The strength and mental discipline from gymnastics helps me in soccer. The strength helps me make up for my lack of size in soccer. The mental discipline helps me to stay focused through out the game,” said Farquhar. “The conditioning and aerobics of soccer have helped me in gymnastics; allowing me to perform at my best throughout my entire floor routine.”
Her strength on the field has been a plus for the Fusion team – she was part of a strong defensive unit that led the Fusion U16 Premier team to the Classic Championship two years ago.
“Jacq is a unique player that combines great endurance with heart AND determination,” Fusion Coach Mark Diehl said. “It was her work ethic and devotion that led us to select her as captain years ago and a position she still has. Jacq is a leader on and off the field!”
Captaincy is a role which she should be familiar with, by now: in addition to leading the Fusion team for several years with friend and fellow captain Jackie Hentschel, Farquhar was captain of her sophomore JV soccer team and is a two-time Farmington United Gymnastics Captain.
Farquhar, a junior, also plays soccer for North Farmington, where she earned a varsity letter in 2015. Her last season with the Fusion will be in Fall 2016, and it will be bittersweet.
“I really love playing on the FSC Fusion team. My coaches have always made it fun and a great experience. I have made many great friends over the years. I can always count on my teammates to have a good time whether at practice, games, or tournaments, said Farquhar. “My teammates and I have fun because they are all great people and we have become close friends as our team continues on year to year. It is going to be sad without our senior players who are headed off to college this coming up season. I will cherish this last year on the Fusion team, and I know we will have a great season!”
