Eastside’s Jenny Reuter Represents Switzerland on the International Stage
The GU16 ECNL striker shares her journey to Switzerland’s U16 Women’s National Team—and the personal meaning behind her first international goals.
When Jenny Reuter steps onto the field for Switzerland, she is representing more than a country on her passport. She is playing for the country where she was born, where her extended family lives, and where her connection to soccer now includes two international goals.
The Eastside FC GU16 ECNL striker scored both goals in her second friendly against Denmark in September, marking a milestone in a national-team journey that began with a highlight video.
“What I enjoyed the most is representing my home country and scoring my first two international goals and making new friends,” Jenny shared.
Born in Zurich, Jenny lived in Switzerland for her first three years. Her mother was also born there, and Jenny holds Swiss citizenship. Representing Switzerland gives her extended family a chance to support her in person—something that makes these opportunities especially meaningful.
“It means a lot to me because when I play these games in Europe, my family members come and watch,” she said.
Her path into the Swiss national-team program began when coaches saw her highlight video and invited her to train with their academy in September 2025. That November, she received her first national-team call-up for a UEFA U15 Development Tournament the following month.
Switzerland faced Portugal, Greece and the Czech Republic, finishing with the most points to win the tournament. Jenny returned for two friendlies against Italy in April 2026, followed by September’s matches against Denmark in Holbæk.
It was in the second Denmark match that she found the net twice. For her first goal, Jenny ran onto a pass from her outside back, carried the ball toward goal, cut onto her left foot to beat a defender, and finished through the goalkeeper’s legs. Her second came from the penalty spot after she won possession in the box and was fouled before she could shoot. She converted into the bottom-left corner.
Those moments reflect the speed, determination and commitment that Jenny says Swiss coaches have highlighted in her evaluations. After each camp, she receives feedback on her strengths and specific areas to work on before returning.
The experience has also challenged her to adapt. At her first camp, she knew no one and was the only player coming from outside Switzerland. Speaking Swiss German helped her connect with teammates, who have been curious about her life in the United States.
On the field, she has noticed an emphasis on technical play and passing, along with detailed preparation for set pieces. Off the field, she has enjoyed new friendships—and, she adds, the food.
Balancing international travel with school and club soccer takes planning. Jenny requests schoolwork before leaving, then often spends late nights catching up after training when she returns. Throughout that process, her Eastside coaches and teammates have encouraged her and stayed interested in her experiences abroad.
“I always get full support from my EFC coaches, teammates and the club,” she said.
“Jenny brings speed, determination and a willingness to keep learning to our team,” said Tim Reynolds, Girls ECNL Director and Jenny’s Eastside coach. “Representing Switzerland is a meaningful achievement, and these experiences give her new opportunities to grow. Her teammates and coaches are proud to support her and excited to see what comes next.”
Jenny has been part of Eastside since summer 2020, previously playing with the Girls 2011 ECNL team and now with GU16 ECNL under Tim Reynolds. She also plays varsity soccer as a striker at Skyline High School and is a member of the Class of 2030.
Away from soccer, Jenny enjoys skiing, volleyball with her sister, and time with friends. Math is her favorite subject, and she is interested in studying business or math. Watching soccer is another regular part of her life, with Bayern Munich among her favorite teams.
Looking ahead, Jenny hopes to represent Switzerland at the U17 level in European and World Cup qualifying, play Division I college soccer, and eventually pursue a professional career.
For now, she is building on each opportunity, bringing new experiences back to Eastside and carrying her connection to Switzerland onto the international stage.
Congratulations, Jenny. Your Eastside family is proud to cheer you on.
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