RUTHERFORD – The girl had two different dreams.
They seemed to be independent of each other.
Jessica Rogers has long dreamed of one day becoming a pilot – flying fighter jets.
“I’ve always known I wanted to do it,” Rogers said. “I have a high tolerance for scary situations or adrenaline.”
And a talented basketball player from a young age, Rogers also dreamed of scoring 1,000 points in high school for Rutherford.
As she chased one dream, she chased the other. Her drive to excel on the basketball court eventually led to an opportunity to pursue the career she always wanted.
The senior forward has started four years on the varsity level, and this season is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds, two blocks and four steals per game. Her development into one of North Jersey’s top players has helped her realize one of her lofty aspirations and put her on a path to achieve the other.
First, she made a verbal commitment to play basketball at the Air Force Academy, where she’ll pursue her dream of becoming a pilot. Then she scored her 1,000th point with the Bulldogs on Dec. 29, cementing a legacy as one of the program’s best.
Click link to continue reading this story:
