Every so often, a player comes along who leaves a crowd buzzing long after the final whistle blows. For the Bonney Lake Panthers, senior Jaylee Reynolds is that player. She’s earned October’s Athlete of the Month not just for her jaw-dropping stats but for her relentless energy and presence that have electrified the field since she first laced up her cleats for the Panthers.
It was hard to deny Reynolds this honor. In October alone, she lit up the scoreboard with an astounding 18 goals and added 7 assists to her season total, powering Bonney Lake to a playoff berth in their inaugural season in the fiercely competitive SPSL 4A league. And it wasn’t just the numbers—it was the way she scored them. Walk into a game this month, and it felt like you were witnessing a show. Five-goal nights seemed almost routine for her. Twice, she hit that milestone, leaving both fans and opponents in awe.
Speed is Reynolds' signature. Watching her break away from a defender is like seeing a sprinter burst off the blocks. Once she’s in the open, the race is hers. All eyes shift to the opposing goalkeeper, left with the unenviable task of containing her. More often than not, the result is a net shaking and Reynolds with her hands in the air.
In her final game, she did something few high school athletes dream of—she broke Bonney Lake's all-time goals record. With a career total of 111 goals, she surpassed the previous record of 107. Those who’ve watched her progression know this wasn’t an accident; it was a culmination of relentless drive, practice, and the kind of natural talent that coaches talk about for years.
Over the past few seasons, I’ve had the pleasure of covering Bonney Lake girls’ soccer, and watching Reynolds’ rise has been nothing short of captivating. She has that elusive spark that makes you show up at the stadium, curious about what moments she’ll create that night. And she never disappoints. Every game is another chapter, another highlight reel.
As she wraps up her high school career, Reynolds leaves behind more than records—she leaves a legacy. Her presence on the field has not only elevated Bonney Lake soccer but set a high bar for the players who will follow. In the years to come, her impact will resonate, the legend of her speed, her finishing, and her unwavering focus a story told by coaches, teammates, and fans alike.
Wherever her future takes her, one thing is certain: Jaylee Reynolds is going places, and the college that lands her will be adding a true game-changer. For now, Bonney Lake celebrates her. Congratulations to Jaylee Reynolds, The Bonney Lake Insider’s October Athlete of the Month, sponsored by Applebee’s of Bonney Lake. She’ll take home a $25 gift card, but her legacy? That’s priceless.
Wonderfully written! You have a gift and thank you for sharing it!