Recently crowned Senior Sportsperson of the Year Award winner at the Burdekin Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards, Jennifer Fotinos, not only excels in one sport – but three! She’s also represented both state and country in two of them. It’s a phenomenal effort for someone so young.
At just 20 years of age, Jennifer has achieved so much already and if her recent successes and attitude are anything to go by, she’ll achieve plenty more before she’s done.
While Jennifer first started playing soccer at age six, it’s her more recent sporting endeavours – futsal and boxing – where she has gone onto even greater heights. Representing Queensland and Australia in futsal (indoor soccer on a smaller pitch with less players), she was part of the team that won the Scottish Cup last year. A sport she only began playing four years ago.
In boxing, Jennifer again represented Queensland, winning state titles, and was set to box in the Australian national titles before that event clashed with her International futsal commitments.
So how did you a young woman go from soccer to futsal to boxing, then represent her state and country in them?
Jennifer Fotinos, one accomplished, determined young woman with some of her boxing medals. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
“I started playing soccer when I was six years old and have been doing it the longest at 14 years. Futsal was later on in life. I've only been doing that for four years, but because I was already playing soccer there were a lot of transferable skills from that to futsal,” Jennifer explains.
“Boxing is the newest sport I've done, which I’ve been doing for two years now. I only found out about boxing because my brother was doing it briefly here at Rock Solid boxing gym in Home Hill, where he dragged me along. Originally, I just went purely for fitness and to help me with my soccer and futsal, but then I just really enjoyed it and started growing a love for it. I got an opportunity to fight, and I haven't looked back since.”
If that wasn’t enough to make your head spin, Jennifer Fotinos also started doing Karate (Hwa Rang Do) at the age of six, continuing for eight years where she eventually earned a black belt. But it’s not all about sport either. Somehow, she balances her sporting commitments while studying a Bachelor of Education at Townsville University, where she finds studying to be harder and more intense.
“I'm studying to be a teacher and majoring in HP (Health and Physical Education) and English. I'm going into my third year now at University, and it’s harder than sports sometimes,” Jennifer chuckles.
Whether it’s sports or her educational career, no matter what Jennifer pursues you just know she’ll do very well. It’s in her nature, she’s driven, dedicated, passionate. Most of all, she’s got an incredibly mature head on her young shoulders, while keen to show gratitude.
“I would like to accredit the Burdekin Football Club for being an introduction for me to sport and thank all my coaches and volunteers throughout the years in helping build my foundational skills. I have experienced some real highlights with the club including Grand Final wins, and also winning women’s Player of the Year (2021).”
“And more recently Rock Solid Boxing Club with Scotty McLean who recently won Citizen of the Year Award. He uses boxing as a tool to instil important values such as discipline, respect and perseverance. This place, regardless of background or experience, everyone is welcomed and encouraged to develop not only in the sport, but also as individuals. He’s truly inspiring.”
Jennifer is now gearing to compete in the Australian boxing titles and continue her soccer and futsal careers.
“I don't try and think too far ahead. I always see myself improving and being better. But my dream when I was young was definitely to represent my country and to make a living playing sport, that is definitely my top aspiration,” she says with a smile.
“This year, I'm aiming to enter the Australian boxing titles at the end of this year, which will be held in Townsville. I want to compete and do the best I can and hopefully strive for an Australian title. As for soccer and futsal, I just want to keep playing in Premier League Soccer and at futsal, where I just competed at the Queensland nationals title. I want to keep training, stay fit, and compete at all the tournaments I can,” she adds.
In wrapping up, Jennifer has some final advice for any other young athletes in the Burdekin with their own dreams.
“If you find something you genuinely love and have purpose in, go and strive for it. You know, nothing good in life comes easy. So, if you genuinely enjoy what you're doing, don't think that anyone or anything will limit you, and just view obstacles and all the setbacks in your way as an opportunity to learn and grow.”
Futsal champ, Jennifer (20), with the Scottish Cup in futsal. Photo: Supplied.
Soccer star Jennifer Fotinos, in action. Photo credit: Sharon Woodward.
Jennifer with two of her boxing medals. Photo: Supplied.
Jennifer being presented with the Sportsperson of the Year Award by Mayor Pierina Dalle Cort and Dr. Bob McGregor. Photo credit: Mark T. Rasmussen
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