By LusakaSun Reporter
While most 15-year-olds are focused on their final school exams, Zambia’s teenage midfield star Jessica Choolwe Johnson is living out two dreams at once,representing her country in international football while preparing for her final exams in the United Kingdom.
Jessica, who plays for the Copper Princesses and the Aston Villa Youth team, was instrumental in Zambia’s qualification for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025. At the same time, she is preparing to sit her final exams at Kibworth Mead Academy in Leicester.
“It hasn’t been easy,” she told FAZ Media. “But I’m committed to doing well in both football and my studies. I know education is just as important as my football career.”
Jessica featured in four crucial matches during the qualifiers against Tanzania and Benin. But even while travelling with the team, she kept her study materials close.
“I brought my books with me and always try to find time to revise. Right now, it’s about managing my time and staying focused. Football has taught me discipline, and I am applying that to my studies too,” she added.
Her story has inspired many within the Copper Princesses camp. Team captain Mercy Chipasula had high praise: “Jessica inspires all of us. She’s always focused, always asking questions and always improving. She proves that with the right mindset, you can chase more than one dream at the same time.”
Jessica says qualifying for the World Cup again is one of her proudest moments.
“Wearing the Copper Princesses jersey means everything to me. I want to play at the highest level, but I also want to have a strong education behind me because I believe you can have both,” she said.
As the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup draws closer, Johnson will not only carry the hopes of a nation but also the spirit of determination that shows young girls can dream big both in sports and in school.
