Griz add transfer center back

The Montana soccer program has added some needed depth to its back line.

Makena Smith, a 6-foot center back who played one season at Purdue and another at Miami (Ohio), signed a University of Montana scholarship contract this week.

Smith, whose parents both played collegiately at Michigan State, will join the Grizzlies prior to the spring semester. She'll be a junior in the fall with two seasons of eligibility remaining.

"It was a position of need. We needed some reinforcement," said coach Chris Citowicki, whose team allowed 19 goals in 38 matches the last two seasons while winning back-to-back Big Sky championships.

That defensive excellence, while team-based, was built upon the steady and shutdown presence of center backs Charley Boone and Reeve Borseth.

Boone, a two-time first-team All-Big Sky selection, graduated out of the program. Borseth was injured late in the season. Her return-to-play timeline will be determined as 2025 progresses.

"Makena is a perfect fit," said Citowicki. "If you look at the way we play out of the back, that is exactly how her club team in Michigan played. She is a great fit from that perspective.

"She likes to bring the ball out of the back and is very good at distributing. Then on the defensive side, she is extremely solid as well and gives us a bit of height."

Smith, from Brighton, Mich., played four matches at Purdue in 2023. She transferred to Miami (Ohio) after Boilermaker coach Drew Roff was let go after the 2023 season.

Smith played in five matches this past fall for the Redhawks, who lost 4-0 to the Grizzlies in Missoula in the 2023 season. She did not make any appearances after Sept. 23.

Smith traveled to Missoula over Thanksgiving weekend. "From a personality perspective, it's a perfect fit," added Citowicki. "Then she has the playing ability to back it up as well."

University of Montana Athletics

Related News

Players Mentioned

Charley Boone

Reeve Borseth

Related Videos