Jessica Andrasko and Lisa Johnson: Tackling Love - 5232 - Gay Lesbian Bi Trans News

The love story of Jessica Andrasko and Lisa Johnson was borne out of a dozen long-stem red roses, cultivated around sports and blossomed with a witty sense of humor. Opposites certainly do attract, they've discovered.

It was November of 1997 when they first met, after Andrasko made a crude comment to Johnson about her attire while the two were at Girl Bar, a former Chicago bar that has since closed. Still, they chatted that Saturday evening and eventually exchanged phone numbers.

Two days later, a resourceful and driven Andrasko tracked down Johnson at work and sent her 12 roses, along with a dinner invitation. They went to Tomboy, another Chicago establishment, two days later.

Nine years later, they are happily ever after, living together in suburban Berwyn. 'When we met, we found out that we actually had a lot in common,' Andrasko said.

But there were also some differences. Andrasko's version of fashion was wearing items from sporting goods companies Champion, Nike and Adidas. Johnson, on the other hand, had a more traditional feminine fashion sense.

Andrasko was a stud high school athlete who later played in college and also was a pro volleyball player in 1995 in Norway. She had 42 baseball hats tacked to her wall when they first met, not to mention matching jogging suits, plaid golfing pants and rows upon rows of gym shoes. Andrasko owned no clubbing clothes, which was Johnson's fashion passion.

Ironically, they later learned, while Andrasko was playing volleyball in a remote section of Norway, Johnson was there too, looking up her family heritage.

They knew they were meant for each other.

Both participated in the 1998 Gay Games in Amsterdam. Johnson won a bronze medal in rowing; Andrasko played volleyball. 'Just walking into the opening ceremony was incredible, such a positive energy, especially being around so many people of all ages, of all races, of all skill-levels. That was so cool,' Johnson said of the event that attracted about 60,000 people.

Andrasko added, 'That was one of the proudest moments in my life. To walk into that stadium and see all of those people cheering and supporting who we were, why we were there, that was incredible. It was an empowering moment.'

One of Johnson's most memorable Games moments from 1998 was Andrasko's dedication to be a cheerleader for her, despite the troubles of cheering for someone participating in crew. Instead of waiting for Johnson's team at the finish line, Andrasko convinced a media member to allow her onto the back of his motorcycle, which traveled the course. Andrasko snapped photos of Johnson and yelled, 'Go, Lisa, go.'

The two did not participate in the 2002 Games, but are stoked for this summer's edition, which kicks off July 15 at Soldier Field. They will be volleyball teammates.

'We'd love to win a medal, sure. But we're not entering the Games with such a competitive attitude that, if we don't win a medal, it would end up upsetting us,' said Andrasko, who will be supported by some of the high school students she teaches. 'It's a very important part of my job, in my eyes, to be a positive role model, especially because I teach all girls.' Some of her students play with Andrasko on her CMSA ( Chicago Metropolitan Sports Association ) team.

'Personally, I'm really excited for the cultural aspects of the Games, not just the sports,' Johnson said. 'I really can't wait for the Games. It will be like Market Days multiplied by 1,000.'

Andrasko added, 'I think Chicago will see that the Games are a pretty incredible thing and that it's really neat to be in Chicago during the Games. When it's all said and done, I think Chicago will be pretty proud of hosting the Games.'

Andrasko is a two-position player for the Chicago Force, which travelled to the Detroit Demolition June 10 and then visited the Kansas City Storm June 17, before playing host to the Storm June 24 at Lane Stadium in the team's final regular-season home game.

The Force is 5-2 as of mid-June in Andrasko's first season on the women's tackle football team.

'It's very exciting,' she said. 'I played flag football locally for five years, and one of my flag teammates was Linda Bache. She kept talking to me about trying out. Well, now I'm having way too much fun [ to stop ] .'

She added that ' [ f ] or the past four years, I've thought about playing, but have been hesitant ( to play tackle ) , especially because Lisa has been nervous about me getting hurt.' Johnson eventually relented, though Andrasko has multiple battle-scar bruises on her arms.

'The team is great, so diverse, so supportive, with a wide range of ages [ among the players ] ,' Andrasko said. 'There are gymnasts, figure skaters, and a mother-daughter duo on the team. There are doctors, policewomen, paramedics and businesswomen. Some are gay; some are straight. We come from many different backgrounds, but all have one goal.'

Andrasko said she enjoys playing left tackle more than kicking, mostly because she's better at the former.

'It took me a while to be supportive because I was so afraid of injuries, especially because of injuries in flag football. Luckily, she's been safe,' Johnson said. 'It's really cool to watch her. It's neat to see her enthusiasm and aggression out on the field. Her passion for the game comes out.'

Johnson doesn't play football, though Andrasko has taught her how to throw the ball—and she even throws spirals. 'I like watching her kick because she's less secure with that. I love the mystery of each kick. Is it going to be good or bad?' Johnson said, laughing.

JESSICA ANDRASKO

Age: 33

Height: 5'10'

Hometown: Berwyn, Ill.

Born & raised in: Buffalo, N.Y.

High school: Sweet Home ( Amherst, N.Y. )

Prep honors: Was All-State all four years, at the varsity level, in softball, volleyball and basketball

College: Bowling Green State University, Class of 1995

Job: Anatomy and chemistry teacher at De La Salle Institute

Coaches: High school volleyball

Chicago Force: Plays left tackle and kicker

Gay Games sport: Volleyball ( plays outside hitter )