In a world dominated by technology and desensitized individuals, Jessica Balmer stands out as an honest, win-driven athlete.
Jessica currently holds impressive records: 1600 meters – 5:41:59, 3200 meters – 12:37:13, 400 meters – 68 seconds. While this cross country and track phenom continues to progress meet after meet, her journey to success has not always been smooth.
During her freshman year, Jessica joined the basketball team, but faced complications mid-season due to a knee injury. This issue affected her athletic participation and performance throughout her freshman and sophomore years.
“It just kept getting bigger. I wasn’t in pain, but when I bent it too far, I could feel the inflammation and pressure,” Jessica said.
She ultimately had to quit the team and focus on healing. While figuring out her injury, Jessica saw several doctors—some of whom offered conflicting diagnoses.
Jessica is currently recovering from osteochondroma, a condition with an unknown cause. Despite being unable to run during her sophomore year, she stayed involved by managing the team and helping out where she could.
“I thought being a manager would help me feel part of the team, but honestly, I think it made things worse because it just felt like teasing,” Jessica said.
After undergoing knee surgery and beginning physical therapy, Jessica continued to face complications and periodic injuries. Nevertheless, she decided to persevere with therapy, ultimately allowing her to compete in cross country and track during the current and previous school years.
“When I wasn’t able to run, I realized just how much I loved it,” Jessica said.
Consistency is key in track, as in many sports, and the inability to maintain consistency brings challenges. Over time, Jessica has focused on improving her mental health and preparing herself for future obstacles.
“It’s always the hardest to get out there, but in the middle of the run, I always think, ‘Oh, I’m glad I did this,’ and I feel so much better,” Jessica said.
At first glance, Jessica may seem like just another athlete—serious and focused—but a closer look reveals her many layers.
Growing up in a household of five, Jessica has explored various extracurricular activities, discovering her interests and talents. Whether participating in ballet folklorico, band, swimming, mariachi, track, or her yearly pirate cosplays in August, she strives to live fully in the moment.
“Seeing Jessica interact with her teammates speaks volumes. She does her best to make everyone feel included and valued, and she encourages the girls to push themselves,” sister Allison Balmer (‘23) said.
As much as Jessica “loves being busy,” she prioritizes spending her free time with those she truly cares about, believing in giving her all to everything she pursues.
“I don’t have a lot of friends, but the people I do share my time with mean a lot to me,” Jessica said.
Jessica has formed strong bonds with her teammates, supporting each other in and out of track.
“My most memorable moments with Jessica are during practice. We always have a great time running together and pushing each other. Meets and race days are fun because we often compete in the same events, and we’re always cheering each other on,” fellow runner and senior Sophia Garcia said.
In a mentally demanding sport like track, challenges and doubts are inevitable. Having a friend who shares those hardships makes it easier.
“Every practice, she’s pushing me. She’s always the brains. Today, for example, I went out too fast, and when I said, ‘That was horrible,’ she said, ‘I know because I told you not to go too fast,’” Jessica said.
Jessica continues to inspire her peers as she works hard in school and on the track. Despite her injury, she’s made an athletic comeback, running stronger than ever before.
Now, as captain of the girls’ long-distance team in both track and cross country, Jessica has set new goals and hopes to break more records.
“Things worth achieving don’t come easy,” Jessica said.
