Jenny Karson showed no mercy this fall as she emerged as one of the leaders of the freshmen on Pepperdine’s women’s soccer team.
Karson one of 11 freshmen added to the Wave’s women soccer team this year distinguished herself as one of the team’s most aggressive players.
Her love for soccer started early growing up in a mountain town of Frazier Park Calif. even though soccer was almost non-existent. By 4 she kicked the soccer ball out for the first time and it has never left her side since.
Her dedication led her to play club soccer by 10. Unfortunately there was no club team in Frazier Park but that did not stop her.
She would travel 1 hour and 20 minutes down her mountain town to Woodland Hills for practice in order to pursue her passion.
Karson set her sights on Pepperdine at 14. One summer she attended a Malibu Soccer Camp and her flame grew brighter.
“The coaches were really good and I loved the competition Karson said. I wanted to be a part of it.” To realize her goal Karson knew exactly what she needed to do.
In high school she was on the honor roll. She was also the varsity captain of Frazier Mountain High School for two years and received the Most Valuable Player award.
Schools scouted here early. Boston University University of California San Diego and Cal State Fullerton all were interested but her heart was still with her No. 1 choice Pepperdine University.
All of her sweat and tears paid off because she played as midfielder for the Pepperdine women’s soccer team during her first year in the program.
“We feel blessed to have her Coach Tim Ward said. She is highly creative keeps the mood light as well as being an aggressive and great goal scorer.”
In fact Karson is one of the most aggressive players on the field. For Karson it is “take no prisoners.” Coaches often have to caution her not to foul.
“I’m willing to stay competitive because not (fouling) could cost you the match Karson stated.
Although she is cutthroat on the field, off the field she is an entirely different person, always outgoing and social. Classmates unanimously spoke of her as being sweet and nice.
She’s like my little sister said teammate Alexis Farler, a senior on the team. And that’s a big deal being my favorite freshman.”
The woman’s team is like family.
“I’m always with my teammates on or off the field.” Jenny said.
That is because playing on a sports team is demanding and it is tough for her to have much of a social life.
Karson does not mind though because she is doing what she loves.
Now that the season is over Karson wants to put down the soccer ball and pick up a basketball and start shooting hoops.
She also cannot wait to pick up her brand new surfboard and catch some waves.
Interestingly Karson’s number one career ambition is not to be a soccer star. Instead Karson is studying to be a sports broadcaster.
“I would love to be a broadcaster for the NFL she said.
Every Sunday and Monday, she will be rooting on her favorite teams as she dreams that one day she too will be on the sideline, as a reporter.
As a sideline reporter, she realizes the challenge of interviewing football players and in-between plays and before and after games.
First things first. She wants to secure an internship so she can achieve her next goal. And, of course, stay in shape for next year’s season as a Waves midfielder.
No matter what happens in the future, she will always keep soccer close to her heart.
I can’t see my life without playing soccer Karson said.
The one thing she would love to see in the future is more student body support in the stands.
It just seems so empty in the bleachers Jenny said. Long Beach (fans) were insane… bodies were painted bells ringing to distract us.”
She thrives on the energy in the crowd. And she feeds off having pressure.
“I get pumped when there is a lot of people cheering us on adding more pressure Karson said. They haven’t seen anything yet.”
