Recent Monash graduate Jessica Au has made sporting history, competing with the first Australian Women’s Futsal team to reach the finals of an international Futsal tournament.

The Australian Women’s Futsal team have reached the highest position a national team has ever made overseas - overtaking the men’s team who have never advanced past the group stages.

Competing in Argentina in the Asociación Mundial de Futsal (FIFUSA) World Cup, Jessica was captain of the Aussies which saw them play against futsal powerhouses, Brazil and Argentina.

Though they were unable to secure third place against Columbia, their success has not gone unnoticed.

“It’s been an absolute dream come true and something I never thought was possible,” Jessica said in a LinkedIn post. 

“Can’t even put into words how proud I am of these superstars.”

Jessica has also become the first Australian female futsal player to win the FIFUS golden boot for scoring the most number of goals in the tournament.

In an Instagram post to her followers, Jessica said she has learnt over the years that working together as a team is more important than scoring goals.

“Growing up, I used to think scoring goals was the most important thing to me, but I’ve grown over the years and learnt it doesn’t matter who scores if the team is successful. 

“This award is dedicated to the team, and I couldn’t have achieved this without all their hard work on and off the field.”

Jess completed her Monash degree in 2020, graduating with a Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine. She was supported by the University’s Elite Student Performer Support program which enabled her to juggle both her studies and futsal. Now working as a surgical registrar at the Alfred Hospital, Jess still finds time to play futsal at an international level.

We are so proud of you Jess. What an outstanding achievement!