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All-region recognition
Jackson, Garibaldi honored
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Photos courtesy of Painted Barn Media Bekah Jackson earned her third all-region honor this season. Jackson, a senior, ended her career as one of the top scorers and passers in Lady Pioneer history.
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Photos courtesy of Painted Barn Media Freshman Jayla Garibaldi was named all-region after an eight-goal, eight-assist season.

Even weeks after their season ended, Lady Pioneers Jayla Garibaldi and Bekah Jackson continue to receive awards. The gifted WCHS soccer players were both named All-Region 3AAA, a huge honor for two of the top athletes on the Lady Pioneers.

Jackson, a senior who finished her career with 71 goals and 36 assists, is no stranger to the award, while Garibaldi was receiving it for the first time as a freshman. Both were picked by coaches in District 5AAA and District 6AAA who saw in matchups this year what coach Kimberly Smith got to witness up close daily this fall.

“It is so well deserved for both girls,” said Smith, who saw the duo guide the team to six wins in her first year as coach. “They stood out not only for our team, but in the region and that’s a big accomplishment. I’m so proud to know others saw how well they were doing this year too.”

It was Jackson’s third time being named all-region in her illustrious career. She was also a four-time, all-district recipient, including getting honored by District 6AAA for her 13-goal, 6-assist season in 2022 in recent weeks. Jackson was named All-State last fall and was also the District 6AAA Rookie of the Year in 2019 and the Midfielder of the Year in 2021.

“I’m glad Bekah is getting to end her high school career with the honors she deserves,” said Smith.

Garibaldi has only played a year at WCHS, but her trophy case is starting to fill up quickly. Like her senior teammate, Garibaldi collected Rookie of the Year honors from District 6AAA, winning this season, and she got a jump on all-region recognition as well.

Garibaldi stepped right into the lineup this fall, scoring eight goals and leading the team with eight assists. She’s continuing the long line of great players for the Lady Pioneers, one that includes her senior teammate and her coach (an all-region selection and District Midfielder of the year award winner back in 2012).

Smith knows she has a building block coming back next year as the freshman phenom should only get better with age.

“I’m glad Jayla is getting recognized for coming in and being a vital part of her team,” said Smith.

Warren County finished the year 6-10 overall and fell in the opening round of the District 6AAA tournament 3-1 to Shelbyville on Oct. 12.