VIS Mentor Jenna Bike is a former collegiate soccer player for Boston College, playing in the NWSL since 2022. She started out with the NJ/NY Gotham FC, facing the Chicago Red Stars in her first NWSL matchup. Little did she know that she would eventually get picked up by the Chicago Red Stars in 2023, and then sign a two-year contract extension this year to stay with the Stars through 2026.
After facing NJ/NY Gotham FC on October 12, we sat down with Bike to discuss how she mentally handles competing against her former club that gave her her start. We also discussed her experience as a professional soccer player, reflecting on advice she would give her high school self now that she has a contract extension and a playoff spot with the Stars.
Addressing the Internal Chatter
Being in the league for two years now, Bike has faced the NJ/NY Gotham FC a couple of times, and she has grown with her current team to feel confident during these matchups. Still, the first time was definitely nerve wracking. “The mind goes 100 mph before the game. I played with these players before. I want to show them I'm doing well,” she says.
Bike stresses that this dialogue “came internally,” which is important to remember. Facing previous teammates may feel like a lot of pressure, but it’s a controllable, inner self-talk that feels bigger in the moment if you let it. “Once the game started, these nerves were out the window,” Bike adds. Once you get settled into the game and the task at hand, it becomes easier to settle your nerves. Knowing that pros like Bike go through similar thoughts can be encouraging.
“Once the game started, these nerves were out the window.”
Negative internal dialogue can happen because of your nerves, but by letting go of this chatter, you can naturally give the mind space to slow down and gain confidence in your game. So when the game starts, the nerves will dissipate and the focus comes back to your ultimate goal.
Thinking and Working like a Pro
Bike is currently the 5th top scorer for the Stars, and stands in 2nd for assists. But her mindset about stats proves why she has made it as a professional player. “The stats are great for confidence, but not all players get them,” Bike says. Thinking about big defensive plays or strong pushes down the field, she mentions how important it is to look at the dynamics and smart decisions of the team as a whole. This helps Bike think to herself, “how can I contribute in the best way to make the team successful,” and then her stats follow.
With her performance, Bike has earned her contract extension. We asked her to reflect on this journey, looking at her high school career to where she is now. Bike would want to tell her past self that “hard work pays off, and everything works out!” Getting into and being able to maintain a spot in the NWSL was a constant stress, but with having this deal locked in, Bike feels grateful. It did not come without a strong work ethic, and with putting in her best effort, everything worked out.
Bike shared great insight into the mental side of playing at the highest level that we can transfer into our game so that we can all play with the mindset of a pro. With recent news that the Stars have secured a spot in the 2024 NWSL playoffs, we can continue to watch Bike excel in Chicago.
