Behind the Orange Lenses: Jake Smookler
(image via Michael J. Cox)
Welcome to a reboot of our series that highlights you, the fans. Here is a fan that you will likely run into at every Houston Dash game. Let's get to know Jake.
Hello, let’s start by introducing you to the soccer community:
Good morning, Rudy. First off, I thank you for allowing me to participate in your fan spotlight sir! My name is Jake Smookler of Maui, Hawai'i. I currently live in The Woodlands.
Name: Jake Smookler
How long have you been a fan of the Houston Dash: I've been a fan of the Houston Dash since they were announced expansion team rights in 2013!
Current Season Ticket Holder: Yes sir. I've been a season ticket holder and Dash member since 2018.
Where are you originally from and what is your earliest memory of soccer?
I'm originally from Maui, Hawai'i. My earliest football memory was watching the 2007 FIFA Women's World Cup which I thought was just a friendly. I enjoyed watching England take on Japan and seeing England Legend Kelly Smith bury a penalty kick. Kelly Smith changed my views of becoming a women's football fan and supporter! I also followed Hawai'i footballing legend Brian Ching when he played for the Houston Dynamo. I also loved Corey Ashe, Eddie Robinson, and Giles Barnes.
Tell us a little about how you became a Houston Dash fan?
Long story short, I've supported Brian Ching for a while and been a Texas sports fan for quite a while. When I heard that he was named General Manager of the newly formed Houston Dash, I just had to follow. What made me support the Houston Dash even more was when we drafted Kealia Ohai (Watt) in the 2014 NWSL Draft. She has ohana (family) that are from Hawai'i. I've also supported Randy Waldrum for a while when he coached Notre Dame. After I learned he was going to be our manager, I just had to follow.
What is your favorite Houston Dash memory and why?
Thank you for asking this, Rudy. My fondest memory of the Houston Dash was when we won the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup during the COVID-19 era. The team played with their hearts and brought us so much joy in times of near catastrophe at the start of the pandemic. I was crying my eyes out and was like a proud big brother to all the players who represented our city with the utmost respect and pride! Rachel Daly led the team valiantly and all players played for not only the crest, but for our world class city!
(image via Michael J. Cox)
What is your role with the Bayou City Republic supporters’ group? And how can fans who might be interested being a part of the group?
I'm currently the President of the Bayou City Republic. I took over back in 2022 when our former President Sarah Gilleland stepped down from the role. For regular Houston Dash fans that are looking to join us, all we ask is that they come see us at Pregame at King's Court, in the stadium in Section 115-116 Hustle Town Supporter's Section, and at watch parties at King's Court. One thing I'm carrying on that Sarah Gilleland laid out was the "No Fees" deal as some people can't afford annual fee payments. We can be found on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter (X). Fans can reach out to us on those platforms as well.
Last one from me here. The 2024 Houston Dash season is kicking off this month, what are you most excited about and what are your expectations for the club?
I'm so dang excited that we found a world class manager in Fran Alonso. He's a proven mentor that has UEFA Women's Champions League experience and brought Scottish club Celtic back to dominance in Europe. I'm looking forward to seeing his style and how he manages the Houston Dash! I'm also excited to see how our new players integrate themselves into the team. I'm not jinxing the club this season, but I hope we do very well this season. We're all ready to see what the revamped Houston Dash will look like this season!
Thanks, Jake, for taking the time to let people get to know you. Our hope is that you can put a name to a face in the crowd at Shell Energy Stadium. If you’re interested in being spotlighted in our fan series, reach out to us on social media!
