Corless to play soccer at Eastern Oregon University

SANDPOINT — It’s been a difficult year for Sandpoint senior Kendra Corless, but some good news came this week when she signed a letter of intent to play soccer next season at Eastern Oregon University.

After starting on the Sandpoint girls soccer team as a junior, and also making an impact on the basketball team, Corless tore her ACL playing summer basketball and has spent the season watching her soccer and basketball teammates from the bench while rehabbing her knee.

Based on her performance as a junior, and on the recommendation of Sandpoint head coach Conor Baranski, Corless signed to play soccer next year at the NAIA school in LaGrande, Oregon.

“I didn’t think it was going to happen because of my injury,” said Corless, who is excited to test her skills at the next level and simply play soccer again. “I’m looking forward to it being more competitive.”

Corless admits it was hard watching her teammates win state while being relegated to the bench. She says her biggest strengths are seeing the field well and communicating.

The Eastern Oregon coaches liked what they saw on film from Corless’s junior year. Baranski believes she has the athleticism and desire necessary to excel in the college game.

“There’s no question she’ll be successful purely from her determination. Her strength is being able to read the game as a defender and put herself exactly where she needs to be. And she’s really tough,” described Baranski. “She reads the game well enough that she doesn’t need to tackle much. When she does need to tackle, she’ll crush someone.”

Corless plans to study nursing at school, and hopes to be back in top form when the fall season starts. Her knee wasn’t strong enough for basketball season, but she’s hoping to play golf in the spring for the Bulldogs, finally getting to participate in a sport during her senior season.