BHS defender ready for collegiate level.

Bremerton defender Jenn Smalley always played a big role in the success of the Knights’ girls soccer team, despite her name.

Now she’ll take her defensive game to the next level, as Smalley will compete for Eastern Oregon University (La Grande, Ore.), an NAIA school in the Cascade Collegiate Conference.

“Jenn leaves Bremerton High School having been a big part of the Lady Knights’ improved winning ways,” BHS girls soccer coach Lance McCoy said.

Smalley helped Bremerton set a new school record with 12 wins, earning first-team All-Olympic League honors in the process. McCoy said her defensive prowess will be difficult to replace.

“As a coach, I will miss Jenn’s bone-crunching tackles and her physical toughness,” McCoy said. “I believe Jenn will be able to 

compete right away for a starting position in the back line for the Mountaineers.”

An opportunity he thinks she’s more than ready for.

“Moving into the college game will be very good for Jenn and her style of play will help her team compete in EOU tough conference schedule,” McCoy said.

In addition to an athletic scholarship from the school, she’s also received numerous academic scholarships as well, ranking 13th in her class at BHS.