Athlete Spotlight: Jenna Mitza

Jose Rodriguez '24, Staff Writer | Media & Communications

Salem, Mass- Our athlete spotlight focuses on reigning MASCAC Offensive Player of the Week, sophomore forward Jenna Mitza from Tyngsboro, Mass. Mitza played a major role this past Saturday as she scored the go-ahead goal with 34 seconds left in regulation to beat MCLA 1-0 on the road.  

She spoke about what this achievement means to her, earning player of the week for the first time in her collegiate career. "It means a lot but it was not a me effort, it was a we effort. The whole team came out strong the second half of the game vs. MCLA, determined to come out on top." 

Mitza spoke about her goal against MCLA, which proved to be the game-winner. "It was a great feeling to find the back of the net. It was a group effort, I wouldn't have been able to even had a chance of finding the back of the net without Cass(andra Harrington). We started to connect a lot throughout the game, because we knew we could leave the field with a win." 

As for the competitiveness of the MASCAC game this past weekend, this is what she had to say. "It was a really competitive game, we had so many chances and we just couldn't put it away. But what is important is that we came out strong in the second half and capitalized, improving our in-conference record to 3-2. Lots of work to be done, and we are really excited to make an impact in the postseason." 

Mitza now currently studying nursing, talked about what she learned last season in her freshman year that she is putting to work in her sophomore season.   

"I learned a lot in my first season of collegiate soccer as a Viking that I have carried with me into the present to my sophomore season. I have learned that it is especially important that I come into each season stronger and fitter than the last, being one of the youngest and smallest players on the field. I have learned a lot about persevering through injury, how to come back stronger after a loss, and how to rise to the occasion of being an underdog, I could go on and on. It is truly a blessing to be a part of this team." 

She spoke about the upcoming conference games and how crucial they would be. "The next two conference games coming up are huge for us. We have already qualified for the postseason at this point, which is fantastic, but more specifically, hosting the first round of the postseason is our goal. We have shown so far that we can absolutely ride in the same lane as the top teams in the conference, and I have thoroughly enjoyed surprising our opponents with the improved talent and intensity this year. We are also aspiring to upset Worcester and Westfield."  

The Tyngsboro native spoke about the team's MASCAC conference victories against Framingham State and Mass Maritime.  "Framingham State and Mass Maritime were humongous wins for us. Coming off of being only the 6th seed going into the MASCAC tournament last year, we all know we have something to prove. We are a brand new team this year and I am extremely proud of the success we have had thus far in conference." 

Mitza started playing soccer when she was four years old and had a personal goal for the upcoming season other than winning the MASCAC championship. "A personal goal of mine is simply just to make an impact. Everyone loves scoring, but I gain the most joy (from) playing midfield and assisting my teammates, helping set up goals. As I stated earlier, a personal/team goal is to host the postseason. There is no doubt in my mind that this team could make an impact in the postseason, and we will keep working every day to get there."  

She talked about what are some things that stood out so far this season. "There are many things that have really stuck out to me this season, especially speaking comparatively to last year. I think the work ethic and drive of this team to prove ourselves and prove we are better than last year's record has been unmatched. What also has stuck out to me since day one is the talent of the incoming freshman class. Ava (Guyer), Maggie (Sarnacki), Lindsay (McGotty), Jaime (O'Connor), Makayla (Campagone), Anna (Latta), and Olivia (Henke) are all just great people and have made incredible contributions to the program. You could tell from day one how eager they were to get here and make an immediate impact. Lastly, I will say that one of the things that never fails to stick out is the talent of our goalkeepers. We are so lucky to have such talented goalkeepers like Lily and Ava, watching them play for as little as a few minutes, anyone could immediately tell how hard they work every day."  

Her sister is someone that she admires. She states, "Someone I admire is my sister, Riley. She is my best friend, and we do everything together. I admire her unmatched work ethic and drive, on and off the field. She is 16 years old, and she plays soccer as well. She plays for my old high school, as well as at the club level for FC Stars ECNL. She is committed to play Division One soccer at the University of New Hampshire. I am so proud of her every day. The highlight of my soccer career was her and I being able to play on the same team together in high school. She was a freshman when I was a senior captain, where we scored a combined total of 34 goals in our lone season together. We both wear jersey number 5 for each other to this day, on our own respective teams. I would give anything to be able to play with her again. Soccer aside, she is just one of the most pure and amazing souls in the world. She makes me laugh every day, and she is one of the strongest people I know. We have been side by side through thick and thin, I wouldn't be standing here today without her." 

She mentioned an interesting fact about her that we don't know. "I was originally born in Atlanta, Georgia. I moved to Massachusetts when I was a baby. So even though I was born down south, I am New England bred."

A person that has impacted her is her grandmother. "My grandmother has been one of the most influential people in my life in the most unique way. I call her "grammy". She truly is my other half. Not a day goes by where we don't talk, and she loves coming to Salem to watch my games. She has been watching me play soccer my whole life. Even living here in Salem during the school year, we talk on the phone every single day. To the point where my roommates will see that I am on the phone and without asking any questions say "Hi Grammy!". Where we tell each other every detail of our days. She is just one of the best people to ever walk planet earth. I don't know what I would do without her. She completes me." 

Mitza has several professional athletes that she wants to see. "My favorite professional players are Tobin Heath, Rose Lavelle, and Trinity Rodman. Tobin Heath is a former USWNT player, although she no longer plays due to career-ending knee injuries. Rose Lavelle and Trinity Rodman are current USWNT and NWSL players. They have always stood out to me because they are all known for their technical ability, and that is specifically one of the things I have worked extra hard on for years growing up, to have foot skills like Tobin Heath." 

Mitza and the Vikings will return to Alumni Field tonight for a non-conference game against Keene State. Game time is at 7:00 p.m.