Relationship between Jess and Joe
Jess does not make a good first impression on Joe, because she does not appear to know much about football. Joe is amused as well as irritated by Jess’ inexperience. However, when Joe sees Jess play, his impression of her changes, and he begins to appreciate her as a good player. Meanwhile, Jess is impressed by Joe who is a strict coach but also seems professional and supportive of the players.
Joe and Jess grow closer as friends, and they begin to share things about each other. Jess tells him how she got the scar on her leg, while Joe tells her about his demanding father. They are not able to relate to each other’s experiences, however, because their family backgrounds are different. While Joe’s father was too demanding of him to the point of being uncaring, Jess’ family is too protective of Jess. Joe’s father pushed him towards football, while Jess’ parents want her to stop playing. Still, Joe and Jess are sympathetic of each other’s family problems.
Jess admires Joe’s determination when he comes to her house to try to persuade her parents to allow Jess to keep playing football. Even if Joe’s attempt was unsuccessful, she is touched by Joe’s concern for her.
Joe persuades Jess several times to keep playing football, even behind her parents’ back. Even after he stops seeing her as a romantic interest, he is still invested in her as a good football player and wants her to fulfill her potential.
