Eastern Washington University head soccer coach Chad Bodnar has announced the final addition to his coaching staff on July 24. Brianna Smallidge joins the Eagles as an assistant coach after a one-year stint at CSU Bakersfield in a similar role.
“I’m very excited to join the EWU family. I want to thank Chad and Eastern Washington University for the chance to be a part of the women’s soccer program,” said Smallidge. “I’m extremely humbled by this opportunity and look forward to contributing further to its success.”
Before Smallidge began her position with the Roadrunners, who the Eagles open up their season against on Aug. 17 at home in Cheney, she played professional soccer for the Chicago Red Stars and the Seattle Reign for two seasons following a four-year tenure at Seattle U as a student-athlete.
At Seattle U, Smallidge was a Second Team All-WAC goalkeeper, setting a conference record in single season shutouts and wins during WAC play. Her senior season, she garnered a record of 14-3-3 with 12 complete game shutouts, making 75 saves and allowing just 14 goals.
“First off, I want to thank our leadership and administration for giving our program a full staff and an opportunity to bring someone like Brianna on board,” said Bodnar who is prepping to begin his fifth year at the helm. “Brianna is an incredibly talented and driven young coach with a ton of energy. Her grit and work ethic as a player and her enthusiasm to want to learn were things that really stood out to us in the process. She’s played at a very high level and has been successful. Pete Showler and I think she will fit our mentality and recruit the kinds of student-athletes that we like to bring in. It’s another step forward for our program and we are excited to welcome her.”
While with the Redhawks, the Port Orchard, Wash., native also served as a strength and conditioning intern and a student assistant athletic traininer. She was also a sports science intern where she assisted and observed with the Seattle Sounders. She has also served as a coach at the Tony Dicicco SoccerPlus Camps and the Peter Fewing Soccer Camps.
