Philip Barbour's Jorjalynn Ward signs with Garrett women's soccer

In the winter, she followed up with basketball as the Colts made the state tournament.

While the spring has lightened her schedule’s load, travel sports and offseason preparation have helped her reach a goal of collegiate athletics.

Ward signed to Garrett College for women’s soccer during Philip Barbour’s signing event in April. When it came to the final choice, soccer was always the goal in mind.

“I’ve been playing soccer the longest,” Ward said. “It’s where my heart is. I love volleyball and basketball, but soccer is where it’s at for me.”

Garrett began its women’s soccer program in 2023, earning a win in its opening game before finishing the year 1-10-1. Ward is excited to be part of the first group of players among the foundation of the program.

“I really like that it’s a new program,” Ward said. “It’s building, and I’m looking forward to actually playing and having a spot on the team. I think it’s a really good bond with the coaching staff. They have been really supportive. It’s the best fit for me.”

With the schedule that she ran in the fall, she feels that she’s proven herself to make the jump. She has her heights set on championship weekends in college as well.

“I think my dedication is going to put me above and beyond,” Ward said. “I’m ready to move to the next level and do great things to help build a program. I’m looking forward to winning a juco national championship.”

Part of the dedication she had at the high school level was seen during those postseason runs. Ward was on volleyball and soccer teams for all four years of her career.

Adding basketball in, Ward played in at least one state championship match in all four years of her high school career. Volleyball won back-to-back state championships. Basketball and soccer yielded a total of four state runner-up finishes.

Overall, Ward was part of 11 regional championship teams in four years, missing out only on a basketball state tournament appearance in her freshman year. She was an all-state selection in soccer and basketball.

It was common to see Ward show up to volleyball matches in a soccer uniform before performing a Broadway-style costume change to play multiple events in a single day.

She knows how to win.

“I’ve played a lot of high-stakes games,” Ward said. “I have the experience of playing at the highest level. I feel like I can step in and push my teammates to be the best we can be.”

Ward will play center back for Garrett, the spot that she feels fits her best. It’s largely due to a knack for in-game leadership. She’s a consistent communicator in all sports and was the type of player to always stand when sidelined.

“Center back is where I’m most confident,” Ward said. “I feel like I can help the team a lot with my leadership, even though I’m coming in as a freshman. I can step up to fill big shoes if I need to.”

Ward will major in business.

“I’m going into business,” Ward said. “I want to be a business owner. I’m looking into a start in cosmetology after college, so I think having my own business will help me pursue that dream.”

She is one of five members of the 2024 class at Philip Barbour to commit to playing collegiate soccer.