Jodie Hunter: I always feel so proud to put on the shirt | OneFootball

Defender discusses life on and off the pitch!

In our latest chat with the stars of the Leeds United Women's team, defender Jodie Hunter has told us about how her career began in football, how she appreciated the experience of going abroad, working hard during lockdown and how much she enjoys representing the club she loves!

Jodie, tell us a bit about what you have been up to during lockdown and what life is like for you, away from the pitch?

“I am a P.E Teacher, so I have been working throughout lockdown. We had a bit of a break, working online is a bit different to working in the school I have to say! I’ve had to keep a schedule going, away from work I’ve been trying to keep fit, I made a bit of a gym in my spare room and we’ve been doing some road running that we were given by coaching staff.

“I teach in a high-school, so we’ve been doing Zoom’s and some of the classroom stuff has been as normal, but with the online learning we’ve been getting as creative as possible to keep everyone interested and enjoying it. A lot of household items can double up as gym equipment, I have found! We’ve been doing little challenges and trying to make things fun, whilst also incorporating some Joe Wicks work-outs which have been a great help too.”

And on the pitch, how did the footballing journey begin?

“I started off playing Rugby League when I was really young. I had an ‘interesting’ accident where I broke and dislocated my thumb and ended up being in hospital over Christmas. The local rugby team came to visit and I started playing rugby because of that. Obviously when you get to a certain age you can’t play on a boys team anymore, so that’s when I switched over to football, which I always enjoyed playing anyway. We used to play on the street, it was always something we did.

“Then I played for my school team and found a local club as well, then luckily I got the opportunity to be offered a full scholarship and play for a team in America! I was in South Texas for four years, got a degree in teaching and I had the opportunity to go to Houston and play for the Houston Aces who are a semi-professional team. That meant I could stay for two extra years and would take my time in the US to six years. There were Visa requirements, which made things a bit difficult so I decided to come back home and that’s when I joined Leeds United in the 2015/16 season. I had a short break from the club when I played for Huddersfield, but as soon as the opportunity came to rejoin Leeds I jumped at it and I am so happy to be here.”

So that’s how you became a player, now tell us about the player, what’s your style?

“I started off as a midfield player growing up, but when I moved to play in America, they had a spot for a central-defender and I moved into that role, then never looked back! Now and again I have been put back into a defensive midfield role by the manager. I feel like I have a good eye for a pass, I am the one who is always trying to play. It’s probably one of my downfalls, as if I have the option to just boot it or play, I will always try and play. I like us to keep possession of the ball and I feel like I am strong at reading the game defensively. I always want to anticipate the through ball or pass, to step in and intercept! I guess I am quite a quiet player, I am not shy because if I am spoken to I will answer but I am not really one to get the party started you could say!”

The profile of the women’s game has risen massively as well, just how much are you enjoying playing your part in that?

“It is unbelievable the growth we have seen in the last ten years or so. The announcement recently about the coverage for next season is great, it means that it is going to rise even more. There will now be even more media coverage and hopefully when people are allowed back to watch in the stadiums, more and more fans will come to the games. I’d like to see some double-headers happen like what happens in the U.S! For young girls to see there is a pathway would be amazing, it didn’t exist when I was growing up so it is unbelievable to see how far the women’s game has come.

And finally, you’re a Leeds United fan as well as a player, how much have you enjoyed being able to watch all the games this season back in the Premier League?

“My family are all Leeds, my dad is a season ticket holder and always has been, I always feel so proud to put on the shirt. It means so much more than to just play a game of football to me, to be able to play for my club. We’ve instilled huge belief that we are in the Premier League and here to stay, not just a team that will go up and down. I feel like we’ve brought a lot of entertainment to the league and everyone does enjoy watching Leeds!

“The Man City game was one where we showed true character and ground out the result, ten men away at the top of the league, to get the win and stop them playing their game was amazing, overall it’s been a great season and everyone can be really proud."