Arrow Liver: Professional Soccer Player, Jennifer Skogerboe

Meet the newest addition to Thorns FC: Jennifer Skogerboe aka Skogs. Jen is coming off of her first professional season with F.C Slovacko, in Czech Republic. As a daughter to a Captain in the Navy, Jen and her family traveled every few years from Singapore to Washington and beyond. Jen’s father, Paul used his military background to maintain discipline in the household. He made Jen and her two brothers, Eric and Tim, complete 100 push-ups and sit-ups every night before bed. Jen assures she enjoyed the physical challenges and believes her upbringing shaped her into the strong human she is today. Long story short, don’t mess with Jen. Or do, and you’ll quickly discover she’s as humble, loving and well-rounded as they get.

Jen Skogerboe is an Arrow Liver.

Name:  Jennifer Skogerboe

Age: 24

Hometown: Born in Yokosuka, Japan, moved to a new place every 3 years because Dad was in the Navy. Has lived in:

Seattle Washington

Singapore

Jacksonville, Florida

Virginia Beach, Virginia

Washington D.C

Occupation:  Professional Soccer Player

Years playing: 20 years, 2 years professionally

When did in you arrive in Portland and where did you came from? 

June 29th. I came from Tokyo, Japan because my parents recently moved there. My dad’s working back where I was born.  He’s retired from the Navy, but he now works for the government as the program manager on a Navy aircraft carrier.

What was it like growing up with your dad in the Navy?

We had to move several times growing up. People always ask me if it was hard. I think it shaped me into the person I am today. I had to adjust to new environments quickly and I meet knew people wherever I went. Soccer definitely helped me adjust because I had teammates whom I could relate to. I was able to make friends right away. It’s cool to know people all over the world now.

Was it hard moving all of the time?

No. My dad was good about looking into the area that he would have to be re-stationed to. He always made sure to find a good school for us to go to and continue to get a good education. He also looked into the soccer clubs in the area so I could continue to develop as a player. He emailed them before and let them know I was coming. I was definitely lucky to have supportive parents.

Your brother played too?

My brother, Eric, played.  He is one of my biggest role models because he always pushed me to get better.  My dad would always take my brother and I out for runs. His military personality rubbed off on us. He would even make sure we did our push ups and sit-ups every night.

He would make you do push ups and sit-ups every night?

We would come home from school, and he asked us if we had done our push-ups and sit-ups yet. If I didn’t, I lied and say I did. He knew when I wasn’t telling the truth. But honestly, my brother and I enjoyed having that discipline. It made us who we are. It made us closer.

How many would you have to do? 

100 push-ups and sit-ups. It became easier and easier as I continued to do them.

Do you still do 100? 

No.

How else did your dad’s military lifestyle influence your brother and you? 

He helped us stay fit. My dad never played soccer growing up so he didn’t really know much about the sport but he did his best to study it to help us train and get better.

How did your mother influence your play? 

My mom was more of the laid back one. She wasn’t too athletic growing up, but she supported us in everything we did and always made sure we were well fed.

Did you have a favorite location you lived? 

I couldn’t give you one favorite place. I liked them all because everywhere I moved there was something different about the area. Each place was unique in it’s own way and I made new friends everywhere.

What was your first thought when you woke up this morning?

What am I going to eat for breakfast? That’s what I think pretty much every morning.

What is your morning routine?

I wouldn’t say I have a specific routine. I’m just laid back and not someone who really plans out my day. Each day is different depending on what I have going on.

What is the best advice you’ve ever been given?

Work hard and stay humble.

Who is your definition of successful? 

Anyone who is doing what they love and makes them happy.  I like the saying,  “if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

Why do you do what you do?

It’s something I’ve always loved. It’s made me disciplined and developed me into who I am today. Soccer is my platform where I hope to inspire other people and help players grow up to be the best person and soccer player they can.

How are you different than the average?

My drive to continue to push myself and not settle for anything less than what I know I can achieve and stay humble along the way.

How do you like spending your free time?

I am really outdoorsy,  so I like being active.  I enjoy finding good coffee shops and restaurants. I love doing anything, to be honest.

What has been your biggest setback?  

I’ve had challenges in my life, but I don’t see them as setbacks. I see them as opportunities to learn and develop as a person. I think everything happens for a reason.

What is your most rewarding accomplishment? 

What I am doing right now, in Portland.  I am grateful to be able to play at this level.  Also being able to use soccer to continue to travel, experience new places, and meet new people. It’s cool to be able to travel the world and see things that I’ve never dreamed of.

What do you wish you knew as a kid? 

To not take anything for granted and enjoy every simple moment. I wish I knew that as a kid, but now that I’ve gotten older I have really learned to cherish the times I get to spend with my family and friends.

What’s your dream meal? 

Some good Korean BBQ, which is really delicious marinated meat. I could have that every day.

Who are three people you’d ask to dine with you?

My family.

If you could only keep five possessions what would they be? 

My bible, my family picture, my phone to stay in contact with people, and some snack and drink.

What skill would you like to learn and why? 

I don’t know if this a skill, but people who go back-packing on their own.  That’d be cool to do one time in my life. To get away from all the normal possessions and survive on your own for a bit. Just have yourself and nature.

What is your favorite mobile app? 

I use my Facebook the most to stay in contact with my friends and family all over.

What question have you always wanted someone to ask you?

What’s your purpose in life?

What’s your purpose in life? 

I think my purpose is to continue to do what I love and try to live a life that is pleasing to God. I believe soccer is my platform to do just that. Whether it’s through playing or coaching, I want to be able to have a positive influence on everyone around me.