Women’s soccer sophomore Jess Wooldridge is building off a strong freshman campaign by switching from offense to defense.

Wooldridge entered NIU with experience on the defensive end, but head coach John Ross moved her to the attack to get her early playing time during her first season with the Huskies.

Now with a year of experience under her belt, Wooldridge has moved back to her natural position: center back.

“It’s my foundation, anyway,” Wooldridge said. “It’s easier to build on something that I’ve had from when I was little than from trying to build something new like being at forward, something I’m not used to. It’s easier.”

Wooldridge has been a key part of the Huskies’ defense and has made big strides to become the team’s linchpin. Against Green Bay, she was all over the field, breaking up scoring chances.

Listed as 5-foot-10, Wooldridge is the second-tallest player on the Huskies, which gives her an advantage defending.

“She’s been really good,” Ross said. “She’s getting better every game and we need her size back there for winning balls in the air. She’s done really well, and that’s her natural position.”

Wooldridge’s freshman stint on offense paid off in spades with her scoring three goals, which had her finish tied for second on the team in scoring. Her offensive breakout game came in a 2-2 draw with Ball State Oct. 20. She scored both goals, including the equalizer, which sent the game into overtime.

The return to center back requires Wooldridge to become a more vocal leader on the field and rack up the minutes. She’s played 90 minutes in six of the Huskies’ eight games.

“I’m still learning a lot. I still learn things every game,” Wooldridge said. “There’s still things I need to improve on. I like being in back because I can see everything around me and I like telling people what to do, I guess.”

While the Huskies’ back four has been a mix-and-match situation with Ross trying to find the best group, Wooldridge has been a constant presence. She’s confident when the right match is found the defense will become the team’s biggest strength.

“It’s been hard throughout the year because we haven’t had a set back line yet, so a lot of times we have to learn how the other plays, so it’s still a work in progress,” Wooldridge said. “Obviously we still have a long ways to go.”