The Women’s Game is an exclusive editorial series written by writer, broadcaster, and former college and pro soccer player Renee Washington for BrooklynFootballClub.com. Each week, Renee goes behind the scenes with Brooklyn FC Women, giving unique insights into the squad and sharing stories of the people behind the crest.
After starting soccer at age 4, Brooklyn FC midfielder Jilly Shimkin grew up as if soccer was part of her. From a successful youth career, she went on to become a fixture in the U.S. Youth National Team system, star at the collegiate level at Penn State and at the University of Texas, and finally become a professional player.
She’s soccer through and through.
But she’s more than that, too.
Away from the pitch, Shimkin, 23, has pushed herself to build community with friends and teammates, and to try new things far away from the soccer field. Such as Pilates.
A friend first introduced her to Solidcore while she was in college. After graduating, Shimkin began taking heated-mat Pilates classes as part of her recovery process, and she eventually fell in love with the practice.
When a new studio opened in her hometown, she earned her certification and began teaching. If she weren’t playing professionally, she says, she could see herself owning a Pilates studio one day.
“I love Pilates because it is a creative outlet for me outside of soccer,” says the native of Rockville Centre, NY. “And I love empowering women to build strength and a sense of community in my classes.”
That word, community, is a major driver for Shimkin, a central theme throughout her life, especially in the game.
Reunited in Brooklyn
“The friendships I have made are my best memory [in soccer],” Shimkin says.
Those bonds never go away, and often they will strengthen when players cross paths again — which is exactly what happened to Shimkin here in Brooklyn. After joining the club in the summer from Tampa Bay Sun FC, she has reunited with her former University of Texas roommate, Ashlyn Miller, as well as former Sun FC teammate Carlee Giammona, who made the move to Brooklyn at the same time.
Since arriving, she’s continued her team-building by establishing a tradition she first started at a former club: “Fun Drink Friday.”
It began as something fun to create together with a teammate and look forward to at the end of each week.
“With my love for matcha and fun drinks as well as her love for coffee, we started reviewing and partnering with local places,” Shimkin says.
The pair explored everything from coffee and energy drinks to smoothies and juices, often inviting other teammates along.
“It’s also just good bonding and we would bring anyone who wanted to join,” she says. “I plan on continuing it in Brooklyn!”
BACK HOME
Now, a new city gives Shimkin and her teammates plenty of new places to explore — and another opportunity to build connections beyond the field.
This season also gives Shimkin the opportunity to play professionally in front of friends and family close to home. So far this season, she’s appeared in all 5 matches, including making 3 starts.
“Jilly has been a great addition to our roster on and off of the pitch,” General Manager Samantha Johnson said. “She fits in really well with the group and has that college experience with Ash. I look forward to seeing how her flare continues to positively impact us as a team.”
DID YOU KNOW?
When Shimkin isn’t playing soccer, teaching Pilates or searching for her next matcha, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading and making sourdough bread.
She’s also a self-described huge cat person and has a cat named Tito.
Brooklyn FC Women VS. The World
The Brooklyn FC Women are currently competing in the Gainbridge Super League Fall Season is underway and continues through November. Call the action all season at Coney Island’s Maimonides Park and watch away matches exclusively on Peacock.
The next home match is Friday, October 2, vs. Fort Lauderdale United, when BKFC will host its inaugural “Sharktober” match, in partnership with the New York Aquarium. Kick off is at 7:00 PM.
