By: Ashly Berge
PULLMAN, Wash. – After five seasons of college soccer, a transfer, a major injury, and a long road to recovery, Washington State soccer's Jenna Studer is gearing up for her sixth and final college season in Pullman.
Studer, a veteran defender and team captain, transferred to WSU in 2022 after two seasons at Arizona. Her transition to WSU was influenced by both familiarity and family.
"I wanted to stay in the Pac-12, and my sister [Sydney] had already transferred to WSU, so I had her to lean on in the process," Studer said.
Studer came to WSU with the exciting opportunity to share the field with her older sister at the Division-I level.
"Not everyone gets to play with their sister, especially at this level, so that was really special," she said. "We didn't think it would happen, and luckily we ended up at the same school."
Once in Pullman, Studer immediately entered the starting midfield as a junior during her first season in the Crimson and Gray in 2022. Studer's journey has been anything but linear.
Following a successful season, Studer set her sights on her senior season in fall 2023 and her future after college.
The Cougars won their 2023 season opener at home before a trip to nationally-ranked Texas A&M for the first road match of the year. Late in the first half, with the score tied 1-1, Studer tore her ACL and was sidelined for the rest of the season.
"Tearing my ACL was horrible," she said. "It's devastating in so many ways, especially when you're working toward something and it's taken away in a moment. But looking back, the support I had from our trainers, coaches, and teammates to help me get through it."
The time off the field gave Studer a new perspective on leadership.
"I had to learn how to be a leader without actually playing," she said. "Now, as a captain, I use that to support and give perspective to my teammates on how important it is to not take any of it for granted."
Now, with her sister, Sydney, playing professionally for Carolina Ascent FC in the USL Super League, Jenna finds continued motivation in her sister's path to the professional level.
"She tore her ACL too, right before going pro," Jenna said. "Watching her push through that and make it to the next level reminds me that it's possible. It keeps me focused on what I want for my own future."
Jenna had an impressive return to the pitch for the Cougs in 2024. She started in all 19 games, scoring two goals and assisting one. She anchored the back line, playing over 1,600 minutes second-most of any field player.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Studer is stepping into a leadership role that goes beyond the field. With a roster full of new and younger student-athletes, her experience has become one of her most valuable assets.
"If there's anyone they can come to with questions, it's probably me," Studer said. "I've been through just about everything – injuries, transfers, big wins, tough losses. I just want to help them and the team be successful overall."
As she looks ahead to her final year, Studer has both team and personal goals in mind.
"For the team, I want to get a lot more wins. We've had a lot of ties the past few seasons, and it would be great to finish strong with a winning record," she said. "Personally, I'm hoping to showcase myself and earn a chance to go pro."
For Studer, finishing her career in Pullman means something more.
"Pullman is just special. It's so community-based, and you can feel the support on and off the field," she said. "Our games are free, and the fans that support, especially the little kids, make the experience so special. Signing autographs after games and seeing all the fans. It's cool to know we're inspiring the next generation."