Oswego’s Jordyn Washington looked back to find inspiration for a personal breakthrough.
Before the season even began, the senior forward finished reading “Pride and Prejudice,” Jane Austen’s classic 1813 novel celebrated for its wit and social observation.
Along the way, Washington developed a key trait that also helps on the soccer field.
“I read a lot of books and I think that’s helped me become more patient,” she said with a nod. “When I was younger, I felt like I sometimes fell short of what I wanted to accomplish.
“Reading these 500-page books teaches you that some things take time.”
Washington, the 2026 Beacon-News/Courier-News Girls Soccer Player of the Year, had perfect timing this season. She scored 27 goals in leading Oswego to a 20-3-1 record.
Oswego’s Jordyn Washington (18) tangles with Bolingbrook’s Cecilia Valdez for the ball during a nonconference game in Bolingbrook on Tuesday, April 28, 2026. (Jon Cunningham / The Beacon-News)
The Alabama A&M recruit added eight assists for the Panthers, went a perfect 11-0 in taking the Southwest Prairie Conference title and also won the Plainfield Classic championship.
A famous assertion by Austen’s protagonist, Elizabeth Bennett, that actually sums up Washington? “There is a stubbornness about me that can never bear to be frightened.”
Oswego coach Gaspar Arias saw that special quality in her when she was only a sophomore.
“Her rare combination of leadership, high soccer IQ, elite technical ability, speed, strength and a natural finishing instinct make her a difference maker,” Arias said. “She has elevated our whole program through her work ethic, resilience, competitiveness and commitment.”
Oswego’s Jordyn Washington (18) pushes the ball past Waubonsie Valley’s Chloe Shaffer during a Class 3A Oswego Regional semifinal game on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
Washington’s playing style is serious, but her personality is infectious, according to sophomore forward Mane Brolley.
”I have a great story about Jordyn,” Brolley said. “I knew her when I was younger playing club. Being around her, I remember telling myself she was the player and person I wanted to be like.
“Just so funny, open and personable.”
The most electrifying moment happened May 23 when Washington made history. She scored both goals for Oswego in a 2-1 victory over Neuqua Valley in a Class 3A regional championship game.
Oswego’s Jordyn Washington (18) controls the ball against Waubonsie Valley during a Class 3A Oswego Regional semifinal game on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
The win marked the first regional title in the 30-year history of the program.
“I used to hate the pressure, especially in a 0-0 game late and you have to try and score,” Washington said. “Now, it’s exciting. I felt the energy from the crowd when we played Neuqua.
“That was so thrilling.”
At 5-foot-10, Washington combines elite size, power, strength and force on the ball.
Oswego’s Jordyn Washington (18) shoots the ball against Waubonsie Valley’s Charlee Vanderwatt (32) during a Class 3A Oswego Regional semifinal game on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“I used to always rely on my speed when I was a sophomore,” she said. “That was always a strength of mine.
“Now, I’ve gotten better in using my skill and ability to move to develop a better awareness of where I am on the field and where the goal is.”
Much like Jane Austen, Washington also is interested in themes and ideas.
Her parents met when they were both athletes at Tennessee State. Her father, who grew up in Michigan, played football in college. Her mother, from Downers Grove, briefly played basketball for the Tigers. Those athletic genes were passed down to their daughter,
Oswego’s Jordyn Washington (18) works the ball against Waubonsie Valley during a Class 3A Oswego Regional semifinal game on Thursday, May 22, 2025. (Sean King / The Beacon-News)
“Growing up, I played a bunch of different sports through recreational leagues,” Jordyn said. “My parents thought basketball was my best sport, but then I tried soccer.
“I started scoring goals and really enjoying it and it took off from there.”
When going up against her cousins, Washington was so competitive in games they played that she would frequently burst into tears if she lost.
She played basketball her first two years at Oswego until a knee injury ended her freshman soccer season before it even began. Washington finished with 78 career goals.
“I truly love the girls, our team and the coaches,” she said. “They helped build such a strong connection. It’s been amazing to see everything that happened and everything we accomplished.”
Patrick Z. McGavin is a freelance reporter for The Beacon-News.