Catching up with ... Jennifer Bosa

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Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Catching up with ... Jennifer Bosa

By MIKE McLAUGHLIN
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER


	Bosa

The Metro League MVP in her senior season, Bosa scored on a penalty kick to lead Holy Names to the 3A state soccer title in 1999. She was a three-time team captain and team MVP and scored the winning goal in three of four games during the '99 state playoffs. She played for and was captain for Emerald City FC Azzurri, which won the state club championship in 1999. Bosa, a junior, is playing for the nation's No. 4-ranked team at the University of Portland.

Did you know Portland was going to be this good? "Oh yeah, they were a top program with some of the best coaches before I got there. They don't have a lot of sports here, but soccer is huge. In fact, the soccer program is the equivalent of most schools' football programs."

Have you had any problems adjusting to being a reserve instead of a starter? "I suppose the hardest part of college life was the initial adjustment to not playing as much as I was used to. At Holy Names, it was like I was a mentor for so many of the other players. Now I'm learning from my teammates, so it's like a role-reversal. I guess I doubted myself at first because I wasn't playing all the time, but I came to realize I was still improving throughout the whole process."

Now you're playing midfield or outside back instead of attacking midfielder at Holy Names. Do you miss scoring all those goals? "I'm fine anywhere I play. There are so many skillful players here. We even have former players dropping in to help us. Both Shannon MacMillan and Tiffeny Milbrett, members of the 2000 Olympic team and current World Cup team members, have come by to help out. It's incredible."

Have you been disappointed with your playing time? "At first, yes, only because I thought I was doing something wrong. I eventually realized I was playing behind some great players and I am learning so much here. More playing time will be the cherry topper for me."

How is life outside of soccer? "It's awesome. I'm an elementary education major and Portland has a great program. I'll be student teaching next year. Actually, I feel like I'm accomplishing the things I've always dreamed about. I wanted to play soccer and become a teacher and I'm right on course. I have all the support in the world here."

How's your social life? Do you have time for one? "Well, I've had a boyfriend for about a year and a half. I miss Seattle because it will always be home, but I'm not homesick. My family -- parents, siblings, relatives -- have been able to visit often and my parents make it a point to travel with the soccer team, so I get a lot of family support."

How good are the Pilots? "We're real good and we're close as friends. We'll be at the Final Four."