Thursday, March 16, 2023

On the Beat With Jenna Bike

Earlier today, I interviewed Jenna Bike, forward with the National Women's Soccer League Chicago Red Stars. It was my first interview with a member of the Red Stars, but hopefully not my last. That interview is on YouTube at On the Beat With Jenna Bike.

Hailing from Trumbull, Connecticut, Jenna was a two-time Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year honoree, before starring collegiately at Boston College. She was also enrolled in BC's four-year nursing program.

In her first season at BC, she started all 18 games, earning BC's Freshman Scholar-Athlete of the Year award. In her second season, she played and started in 19 of the team's 20 games. She also received the Athletics Director's Award for Academic Achievement and made the ACC Honor Roll both seasons.

As a junior, she played 20 games (starting 19), finishing third on the team in shots and shots on goal and second in assists. She was named to the All-New England First Team and the Division 1 All-Atlantic Region Second Team.

An injury caused her to miss her senior year, but she returned as a grad player and Team Captain in 2020-21. Starting all 14 games, she finished second on the team in scoring. In 2021, she also began her doctorate and worked as a nurse.

Jenna played nine games with New Jersey/New York Gotham FC last season. Coincidentally, she made her NWSL debut against the Red Stars. In January, the Red Stars signed Jenna to a two-year contract.

In our interview, Jenna discussed her start in soccer, putting on her first pro jersey, joining the Red Stars, SeatGeek Stadium and more. She also talked a bit about experiencing Chicago.

Last season, the Red Stars finished in sixth place with a record of 9-7-6, good for 33 points. The team finished in second place in the Challenge Cup.

The Red Stars open their season Saturday, March 25 in San Diego against the San Diego Wave FC, who finished last season with 36 points and a 10-6-6 record.

For more information on Jenna and the Red Stars, go to ChicagoRedStars.com. Also follow here for my recurring coverage.

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