Former Stan State defender and midfielder Jenna Zuniga has signed his first professional contract with Swedish Mallbacken IF to continue his football career. Zuniga’s signing officially makes her the only third professional player in Stanislaus State’s history to play at a professional level, and joins Katelyn Nebesnick and Sabrina Williamson.

“I set this goal for myself when I was in middle school, [so] it’s nice to see that my drive has remained consistent and that my goal has never changed. I am grateful for my successful career that assured me that I am ready to play professionally, says Zuniga.

Stan State head coach for women’s football, Gabriel Bolton, explained that he is not surprised that Zuniga has the opportunity to play professionally.

“Jenna is a very talented player, but more importantly she has the drive to play professionally,” said Bolton. “It’s not an easy lifestyle. Everyone says they want to play pros, but then they find out the gate, effort and determination required.”

Bolton added that Zuniga’s determination to play professionally was evident in the moves she made at the end of Stan State’s 2021 season.

“Jenna was able to contact an excellent sports agent (Clava Sports Consult) very early in the process and let them go to work for her,” Bolton explained.

Zuniga was one of only 200 female collegiate soccer players to successfully sign up for the 2022 National Women’s Soccer League Draft, which took place on December 22nd. After leaving unscathed, she aimed abroad.

“The draft was an opportunity to stay in the states and play closer to home. I am grateful that I was accepted and qualified to be elected,” Zuniga said. “When I went undrafted, I had the opportunity to travel internationally. My desire to play professionally was not limited to a specific place, I was just looking to get my foot in the door and get my career started.”

In the days that followed the NWSL draft, Zuniga was offered the contract from Mallbacken IF in Sweden’s division two-league, The elite.

“The contract came and I took a few days to take in everything and understand what was in front of me, then the decision was made,” Zuniga explained. “It was a fairly simple decision, with the fact that Sweden is a fantastic country and Mallbackens IF is a well-rounded club.”

Congratulations Jenna !!! 🤩@stanstatesoccer https://t.co/ysPltxZsE9

– Stan State Athletics (@GoStanState) January 6, 2022

Zuniga’s Stan State career was filled with success from the start. As a rookie in 2017, she played in each of the Warriors’ 18 matches and received an honorable mention in all teams. Zuniga continued her early success in 2018 when she was named All-CCAA Honorable Mention and Presidential Scholar.

During her junior year 2019, Zuniga was named All-West’s regional team and once again received an All-CCAA honorable mention. Her success on the field and in the classroom also helped her win the presidency of Stan State’s Advisory Committee for Student-Athletes.

After a free year due to the covid-19 pandemic 2020, Zuniga returned for her senior season 2021 for what was undoubtedly her best year as a warrior. She helped lead the Warrior defense to one of their most dominant years in program history, breaking the school’s record of 12 shutouts. Zuniga and the defense limited the opponents to 43% shots on goal. In addition to his defensive dominance, Zuniga scored one goal and had two assists. Her stats earned her a spot on the All-CCAA first team.

While Zuniga has had an abundance of successes and has created countless memories in Stanislaus State and in her hometown of Manteca, she looks forward to going abroad.

“I am excited to start my professional career and travel while doing so. I want to make sure I take advantage of the opportunity to travel,” said Zuniga. “My goal is to travel most of Europe and appreciate the cultures I surround myself with.”

As Zuniga prepares to go to Sweden for the upcoming Elitettan season 2022, which begins in April, she expressed her gratitude to her coaches, teammates, friends and family members for their support.

“The decision to leave all my loved ones made it difficult. I can be sure that I have everyone’s support and congratulations while I am away,” said Zuniga.

“We are really proud of Jenna and all the hard work she has put into developing her career as a professional footballer,” said Bolton. “We can not wait to see what the future has to offer for her.”

You can follow Zuniga’s journey with Mallbackens IF through the club’s official website, Facebook and Instagram pages. For the latest news on Stanislaus State women’s soccer, you can follow them further Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.