Jett Longanecker

Jett Longanecker - Idaho
Nomination & Photography by Katie Ray Photography
Issue 70 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Jett Longanecker is the definition of inspiring. Jett was born with an atrial septal defect, which required him to have open heart surgery as a four year old. Now, as an upcoming senior, he works out daily to keep his heart and mind healthy! Jett is a leader in and out of the classroom. He is in the top of his class and been a crucial part of his club & high school soccer teams.
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Photography by Katie Ray Photography

​What do you wish others knew about your atrial septal defect?
To be completely honest, I try not to bring up my heart problems with those who aren't very close with me. I try my best to never make it an excuse, and I hope people who know about it see it as an inspiration that I do not let my issues or problems affect performance and who I am. I am blessed that my condition mostly does not hinder me in many ways, and I understand that many people have it much harder in this regard. However, I believe one should make the absolute most of the hand that they are given; a belief that I try to live and breathe every day.

What are some challenges you had to overcome to get to where you are now?
Self-doubt and depression have been a mainstay for me as long as I can remember since heart surgery. Weeks after the surgery, I wasn't allowed to be a regular, active kid. Now, I realize how much I value being outdoors and moving my body. Throughout my life, I have struggled with my mental game on the field and in life. Being active and in sports has been a crucial outlet for me, and if I did not learn from early challenges from my heart surgery, I can't imagine where I would be now. I believe everyone is molded from their experiences, and those experiences can either enrich or destroy a person. It is up to the individual to decide if they are helped or hurt by their challenges.

Do you have any lingering effects or limitations? If so, what are they and how do you get past them with all you do?
My heart surgery and condition really does not affect me in day to day life. However, I do have some lasting effects. I've been diagnosed now with 1st and 2nd degree heart block, which are essentially delays in signal transmissions within the heart. Because of this, I am at a higher risk for arrhythmias (irregular heartbeat) and hypertension, or destabilization in my lungs. Both are conditions that could escalate into serious problems. Regardless, I just focus on the controllables in my life, which are what I do with and put into my body. I take care of it with all that I do, and I trust that it will reciprocate this care. I think it is seriously a relationship, and I have built a strong connection with my body though years of play and hard work, so much so that my heart isn't a constant concern most of the time.

How would you describe your leadership style?
No matter what, I try to lead by example. On the field and during workouts, I push myself to the limit and bring others there with me. I find myself at the front of the pack often, pushing the pace and holding strong with others whom I share a bond with. One we have created through sweat and hard work. Sometimes, I'll admit my intensity becomes a weakness as a leader, but as captain I work every day to mold together with my teammates and cater to each of them to bring out their best on gameday.
Recently I have really been focused on improving my leadership, especially come this senior season. I want to end on a high and bring up my teammates with me, and I feel a sense of responsibility and pride to end out my years of being a Bulldog.

What is your strongest leadership quality?
My tenacity and work ethic stand out to my teammates and coaches. Again, I hope to inspire and push others to become their best with me. And I know to do that, I have to practice exactly what I preach.

Photography by Katie Ray Photography

​What class are you most looking forward to this year and why?
I'm looking forward to Spanish 4. This is mainly because of my amazing teacher, Mrs. Mary Imaz, who has taught me Spanish all of high school. Our relationship is tight, and we have grown as friends and colleagues since freshman year. Also, I enjoy learning a new language, and seeing work from many years come into fruition as an improved product that I've worked hard for.

Tell us about your soccer career.
 I've been playing my whole life, as it has been part of my family since day one. Ever since I can remember I’ve been part of a team, playing in various local youth leagues and eventually travel teams. Along the way I have built my skills and sharpened myself as an athlete and person. Soccer has been my main sport, and I have had to focus on it and let my other activities like XC ski racing fade to the side. While I still love to branch out, and still run track for my high school, it is impossible to deny everything that I have given soccer, and all it has given me.
My senior season is starting very soon, and I feel I am in a great place, and more ready than ever to make it one to remember.

What is your favorite accomplishment with soccer?
Personally, I feel most proud and happy with the simple progress that I have made with the sport. I have worked extremely hard to be where I am now, and I wouldn't trade anything for this accomplishment. Also, I feel soccer has given me an outlet and route to build a relationship with myself, the ball, and many others that are my teammates and coaches that share my passion for the sport.

What is your friend group like? What do you like to do together?
I really have only young man that I would consider myself to be best friends with. At this point we are extremely tight; tight to the point I would call him family. Unlike what seems to be the norm for teenagers nowadays, he and I do not party or drink or do anything that is considered "fun" by our classmates. Our idea of the word would look more like working out, playing various games, or watching a movie and staying up late to have deep conversations and really catch up with each other. In a world that is so superficial, we have an extremely deep relationship as a result of years of tight friendship. We pride ourselves on being outside of the norm of teenagers today as we try to improve and mold each other into good young men.

Tell us about your family.
My family is and always has been my foundation. I have two younger brothers, both who share my interest in sports and the outdoors. They impress me daily with all they do and inspire me to be the best brother I possibly can. Their ages are 16 and 13, and they can keep up with me during most activities that I do. It’s like having two permanent best friends, and two high level training partners and soccer players all rolled into one. I couldn’t ask for a better deal.
My parents are both hardworking and equally inspirational people in my opinion. They both work to allow opportunities across sports for my brothers and I, and it is safe to say that I wouldn't be who I am today without them. They're instrumental in my life and I am extremely grateful for that.

What is a favorite family trip you know you'll never forget.
One memorable trip we went on was this last summer to Texas, where most of my family lives. We spent time hanging out with family and enjoying life in the small town where my mother grew up. I was able to work at my uncle’s crop-dusting business, train at a local field and go hunting on family land. It was an amazing balance of work and play that made for some amazing memories.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You could drive by the soccer field, where I'll probably be training by myself, putting in the hours and relishing in my ability to play the game I love. Aside from that, I'd be on my back porch playing guitar.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
My senior season and year of high school are coming right up, and I am excited to put in another great year on the field and in the classroom. Beyond high school, I plan to play soccer in college and explore various interests that will hopefully lead into my career as an adult.

Photography by Katie Ray Photography

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Pulling out the chest tubes after surgery comes to mind. For some reason they kept me conscious for the excruciatingly painful and scary process. Also, I would say putting in many consecutive years of straight A grades with AP and honors classes is a huge accomplishment that I really had to work for.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
- Work hard. Make time for yourself to do so, and understand that falling in love with the work makes the grind irresistible, and improvement is just a byproduct of having fun with whatever you put your mind to.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself playing college or professional soccer at a competitive level, as I continue to find myself and push my limits as a person and athlete.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Playing guitar.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I'm really good at table tennis, but that is also because I play a lot and take it seriously, so I've gotten good... So not really a talent.

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel to Europe, become a pilot, and join the special forces in the military.

Who do you find inspiring?
I often feel touched, inspired, and motivated by people who are better than me at any given thing. I try to learn as much as I can from everyone around me, thus hopefully improving myself, my relationships, and the other person as well.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I hope to inspire anyone who isn't where they want to be in life, and hope my story and message of hard work can spur them to take action and attack their goals.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I think anything is possible through hard work, and every teen has their own story and is equally (if not more) inspiring as me.

Look for Jett in issue 70 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 70

click here to nominate an inspiring teen