University of Minnesota Athletics
Meet the Soccer Class of 2009
7/15/2005 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
The 13-member recruiting class features a national top-100 recruit, the 2004 Ms. Minnesota Soccer winner and four of the top five ranked players in the state of Minnesota. The group is made of four forwards, four midfielders, three defenders and two utility players.
“"This is a great recruiting class,” Denney Wright said. “Our coaching staff worked very hard this year to keep the top players from Minnesota at home, and to draw the top talent in the Region. We feel that this class will help raise the level of our program. They are talented soccer players, fantastic people and courageous leaders. They are a great fit for Minnesota Soccer, and they will bring passion and drive to our team. Our fans will be excited to see this class compete next fall at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium."
The rookies join a Golden Gopher soccer program that made tremendous strides in 2004. Minnesota finished with its most wins since the 2000 season, as well as posted the second-best non-conference record in school history. Despite numerous injuries, which depleted Minnesota’s roster, the Golden Gophers closed out the season with five wins in their last seven matches.
Minnesota will look to continue that success when its season begins on August 16 with an exhibition match at Dayton. The Golden Gophers open the regular season at Nebraska on August 26, the first of five straight road games. Minnesota opens the home portion of its schedule on Sunday, Sept. 11, against South Dakota State.
Here’s an in-depth look at the Golden Gophers’ incoming freshman class.
Kelsey Hood
POSITION: Midfield
HOMETOWN: Ankeny, Iowa
HIGH SCHOOL: Ankeny High School (Rhonda Fohrs)
CLUB TEAM: Ankeny Soccer Club (Ozzie White)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose the University of Minnesota to continue my education and soccer career because of the coaching staff, the strength of women’s athletics at the U, and the great campus. Minneapolis is a great city, and my family is close enough to see all of my college games, which is important to me. I am so excited to become a Golden Gopher!”
Soccer Buzz Top 100 recruit ... Member of the Region II Team 2000-2004..ESP National Camp 2002, 2003. Region II European Tour '02. one of eight seniors in Region II invited to play in 2005 Interregional Event in Home Depot Center in LA ... Iowa State Cup Champions 2000-2004 .. four-year basketball letter winner ... four-year starter on four-time Class 4A State Championship Basketball Team ... High School Basketball Team currently ranked #15 in USA Today poll. chose Minnesota over Florida, Auburn, Kansas and West Virginia.
Get to Know Kelsey
Parents: Brent and Shannon Hood
Favorite Music: Coldplay
Favorite Movie: Princess Bride
Elena Fruci
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mike Redmond)
HIGH SCHOOL: Mahtomedi High School (Jeff Zupfer)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose to attend the University of Minnesota because of the Big Ten atmosphere. Also, I believe I could not find a better set of coaches than Mikki Denney Wright and her staff. I feel that they will get the best out of me as a soccer player and as a person. Their goal is to win, and I want to be a part of that. It doesn’t get any better than playing in your hometown with your relatives and friends watching.”
2004 Minnesota "Ms. Soccer" .. 2004 NSCAA/adidas All-American.. 2001- 2004 Minnesota ODP Team. 2001, '02, '03 Region A/B Pool. St Paul Pioneer Press Soccer Athlete of the Year 2004. Star Tribune Soccer Athlete of the Year 2004.. All-State, All- Metro Team 2003, '04. All-Conference 2001- 2004..Kare 11 Prep Athlete of the Week '04.. HS State Champs, Section Champs, Conference Champs '04.. Club Team ranked #17 in the nation. three Club State Championships.2002 Region II Semi-finalist ..2003 Orange Classic Semi-Finalist. chose Minnesota over Iowa State and Creighton.
Get to Know Elena
Parents: Joe and Laura Fruci
Favorite Music: Sublime
Favorite Movie: Ocean's 11 & 12
Kaitlin Wagner
POSITION: Midfield
HOMETOWN: Wayzata, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Wayzata High School (Tony Peszneker)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“I love Minnesota and to have the opportunity to stay here and play top level soccer is the chance of a lifetime. One of the most exciting things is being able to be part of a rising program and help make Minnesota Soccer great again! The coaching staff has so much enthusiasm and drive to become excellent, that I can’t wait to step on the soccer field with them. It’s also great that my family and friends will be able to watch me play, and visit often. The University really impressed me and has so much to offer academically. It is the best place for me to grow as a person.”
Ranked as one of the top five AA soccer players in the State by MSHSSCA.. 2003-2004 Minnesota ODP Team. Region II B Pool. Club Team ranked #17 in the nation. three Club State Championships.2002 Region II Semi-finalist..2003 Orange Classic Semi- Finalist. HS All-State, All-Conference, All- Metro, All-State Tournament Team, 2002, '03, '04.. 2003 and '04 HS Conference Championship. 2002 HS State Championship.HS MVP Midfield 2002, '03, '04. chose Minnesota over Michigan State and University of Kentucky.
Get to Know Kaitlin
Parents: Phil and Marie Wagner
Favorite Music: Gavin DeGraw
Favorite Movie: The Boondock Saints
Academic Interest: Education and Psychology
Clare Grimwood
POSITION: Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Eagan, MN
HIGH SCHOOL: Eagan High School (Mark Obarski)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“The University of Minnesota is a great package. The U is close to home, set in a fantastic city, and I have the opportunity to get a great education. Not only will I be attending one of the most prestigious universities in the nation, but I will also be representing Minnesota as a student-athlete. I am excited to step into the next phase of my soccer career. The facilities I will be using are amazing, the atmosphere is intense and the coaching staff couldn’t be more dedicated to success. The University of Minnesota has everything I would want in a college. Plus, I can’t wait to build this program into an NCAA Championship team.”
Ranked as one of the top five AA soccer players in the State by MSHSSCA.. Senior Classic Outstanding Player of the game.. Minnesota ODP 4 years.. All- State 2003, '04. All Conference, All- Metro 2002, '03, '04.. HS Captain and MVP '04. Club team ranked #17 in the nation. three Club State Championships.'02 Region II Semi-finalist ..03 Orange Classic Semi-Finalist.. chose Minnesota over Long Beach State and UC-Santa Barbara.
Get to Know Clare
Parents: Ross and Cathryn Grimwood
Favorite Music: The Format
Favorite Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Lindsey Schwartz
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Bettendorf, Iowa
HIGH SCHOOL: Pleasant Valley High School (Cathy Allbaugh)
CLUB TEAM: Heartland Soccer Club (Colin Crichton)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose to attend the University of Minnesota because of the great coaching staff, the commitment of the players and coaches to the team, the outstanding soccer facilities, the veterinary medicine program at the U, and also because it is located in a great city!”
Iowa Player of the Year 2005 ... Quad Cities Female Athlete of the Year 2005 .. Pleasant Valley Female Athlete of the Year 2004.. Iowa ODP Team 1998-2004. High School Soccer MVP 2003 and '04. Leading Scorer & Leading Assists '04. 2004 MAC Conference Champion. . four-sport Athlete, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Soccer.. 2004 Captain Soccer, Basketball, & Volleyball. State Qualifier in Track (400 M Hurdles). chose Minnesota over Iowa State, West Virginia and Rice University.
Get to Know Lindsey
Parents: Dan and Judy Schwartz
Favorite Music: Britney Spears, Usher
Favorite Movie: Grease
Academic Interest: Veterinary Medicine
Ashley Seeler
POSITION: Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Eden Prairie, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Eden Prairie High School (Bob Pacieznik)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“The University of Minnesota seems to be a perfect fit for me. I got the feeling as soon as I stepped on campus that this is where I belong. The atmosphere as a whole was incredible: the intensity, the friendships, and a diverse group of people with common goals to succeed. There are great academic schools and there are great athletic schools; Minnesota is an excellent combination of the two.”
Ranked as one of the top five High School AA soccer players in the State by MSHSSCA . ..2000-2004 Minnesota ODP Team... Club team ranked #17 in the nation... Club State Championship 2004..HS All- State '04...1st Team All-Metro '04.All-Conference 2002, 2003, 2004.State Tournament Team 2003.. HS MVP '04.. HS Captain 2004. .Two uncles played for the Gophers (Scott Schuveiller, baseball '82- 84, Mike Pehrson, baseball '82- 86).. chose Minnesota over Indiana.
Get to Know Ashley
Parents: Dan and Kris Seeler
Favorite Music: Dashboard Confessional
Favorite Movie: Willy Wonka, Finding Nemo
Academic Interest: Journalism
Marti Klinsing
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Wayzata, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Wayzata High School (Tony Peszneker)
CLUB TEAM: Woodbury Wildcats (Kate Cortis)
Why Minnesota?
“I can take advantage of a great university right in my own backyard and play very competitive soccer. Minnesota Soccer is a top notch program and I will have the opportunity to play right in front of my family and friends.”
One of the leading goal scorers in the state ... 2005 Athena Award winner..2004 Minnesota ODP Team..All-State, All- Metro, All-Conference, All State Tournament Team '03.. HS State Champions 2002.. Channel 12 Team '03. Trojans Best Forward '03.. Trojans leading scorer '02. four-year varsity letterwinner in soccer.. three-year varsity letterwinner in basketball.
Get to Know Marti
Parents: Dave and Cindy Klinsing
Favorite Music: Maroon 5
Favorite Movie: Napolean Dynamite
Academic Interest: Communications
Carlie Edwards
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Inver Grove Heights, MN
HIGH SCHOOL: Simley High School (Steve Buterin)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“Growing up in the state of Minnesota, I always wanted to be a Golden Gopher. I know I will have a chance to receive a great education from one of the best universities in the nation. In addition, I want to help bring a winning tradition back to the women’s soccer program. This is a great opportunity for me to play Division I soccer with some of my teammates, while being close to home.”
1998, 2003, '04 Minnesota ODP Team..Club team ranked #17 in the nation.. three Club State Championships..2002 Region II Semi-finalist..'03 Orange Classic Semi-Finalist. HS All- State 2003, '04.. HS All Conference 2001- 2004. HS MVP '03.
Get to Know Carlie
Parents: Bruce and Karen Edwards
Favorite Music: Kelly Clarkson
Favorite Movie: Miss Congeniality
Academic Interest: Child Psychology
Elise Bjerkenas
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Wayzata, MN
HIGH SCHOOL: Wayzata High School (Tony Peszneker)
CLUB TEAM: Wayzata Wave (Tony Peszneker)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose the University of Minnesota because they had the best to offer me academically and athletically. I am very impressed by the coaching staff as well as the team and I am excited to be a Gopher!”
All-State, All-Conference, All-Tournament Team Team 2003.. HS Captain. Trojan Best Defender '03.. Channel 12 Team '03...HS State Champions 2002.. Letterwinner in soccer and alpine skiing.
Get to Know Elise
Parents: Odd and Maureen Bjerkenas
Favorite Music: Linkin Park
Favorite Movie: The Boondock Saints
Nikki Jensen
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Richfield, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Richfield High School (Rob Nelson)
CLUB TEAM: Bloomington Soccer Club (Scott Zachmann)
Why Minnesota?
“After spending time with the coaches and players, it felt like family. There was the common goal to be a winning team and still be friends off the field.”
HS All-Conference 2003, '04.. HS All- State 2003, '04. HS MVP 2004. HS MVP Forward 2003, '04. varsity letter (four years) in soccer, basketball and track.
Get to Know Nikki
Parents: Jeff and Shelly Jensen
Favorite Music: Tim McGraw, Nelly
Favorite Food: Lobster Tails, Strawberry Shakes
Jamie Cheever
POSITION: Forward/Midfield
HOMETOWN: Minneapolis, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Southwest High School (Garth Thoulouis)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
"I grew up in Minneapolis, and I love the urban setting of the University of Minnesota. The University allows me to compete at the highest level while getting an excellent education. Also, the coaches at the University will challenge me to become a better player and help me grow as a person."
2005 Athena Award winner ... will also compete for the Golden Gopher Track & Field Team ... helped lead Southwest to 2002 Conference Championship ... 2002-04 Club State Champions ... 2002 Region II Semi-finalist...member of the Minnesota ODP program 2000-03 ... All-State in Nordic Skiing • finished third at the state 5K freestyle championship ... two-time MVP of skiing team ... two-year letterwinner on the cross country team ... four-year letterwinner on the track team ... placed fourth in the 800m at the 2002 state championships ... member of the National Honor Society.
Get to Know Jamie
Parents: Mike and Tammy Cheever
Favorite Music: Counting Crowes, Third Eye Blind, Cake
Favorite Movie: Love Actually, Mirace, The Upside of Anger
Academic Interest: Sociology
Kalli Elias
POSITION: Forward/Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Byron, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Byron High School (Marc Stangler)
CLUB TEAM: RYSA (Neil Vassar)
Why Minnesota?
“The University of Minnesota has always been my place. My place to grow, learn and strive for success. I’m excited to be a part of such a great university. As well, by being a part of the Minnesota Soccer Family, my athletic dreams have really come true!”
All-State 2003, All- Conference 2003, '04.. HS Team Captain 2004.. HS Track All- State 2003..HS Track All-Conference 2000, '01, '02, '03
Get to Know Kalli
Parents: Barry and Jill Hoeppner
Favorite Music: Jesse McCartney, Jack Johnson
Favorite Movie: Bad Boys 2
Academic Interest: Nursing
Kara Elias
POSITION: Forward/Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Byron, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Byron High School (Marc Stangler)
CLUB TEAM: RYSA (Neil Vassar)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose the University of Minnesota because they have great academic and athletic programs. I am so excited to play Gopher Soccer because I get to play the sport I love with tons of great people! I’ll have the opportunity to be coached by the best, play with the best and be my best.”
All-State 2003, All-Conference 2003, '04..HS Team Captain 2004. HS MVP 2004.. HS Track All- State 2000.. HS Track All-Conference 2000, 2001, '02, '03
Get to Know Kara
Parents: Barry and Jill Hoeppner
Favorite Music: Jack Johnson
Favorite Movie: Sales and Marketing The Golden Gopher soccer team took a giant step forward in 2004 under first-year head coach Mikki Denney Wright. The momentum carried into the offseason as the Minnesota coaching staff signed one of the most talented classes in school history. Deep in quantity and deeper in talent, the class of 2009 will no doubt be the backbone of the Golden Gophers’ return to prominence.
The 13-member recruiting class features a national top-100 recruit, the 2004 Ms. Minnesota Soccer winner and four of the top five ranked players in the state of Minnesota. The group is made of four forwards, four midfielders, three defenders and two utility players.
“"This is a great recruiting class,” Denney Wright said. “Our coaching staff worked very hard this year to keep the top players from Minnesota at home, and to draw the top talent in the Region. We feel that this class will help raise the level of our program. They are talented soccer players, fantastic people and courageous leaders. They are a great fit for Minnesota Soccer, and they will bring passion and drive to our team. Our fans will be excited to see this class compete next fall at Elizabeth Lyle Robbie Stadium."
The rookies join a Golden Gopher soccer program that made tremendous strides in 2004. Minnesota finished with its most wins since the 2000 season, as well as posted the second-best non-conference record in school history. Despite numerous injuries, which depleted Minnesota’s roster, the Golden Gophers closed out the season with five wins in their last seven matches.
Minnesota will look to continue that success when its season begins on August 16 with an exhibition match at Dayton. The Golden Gophers open the regular season at Nebraska on August 26, the first of five straight road games. Minnesota opens the home portion of its schedule on Sunday, Sept. 11, against South Dakota State.
Here’s an in-depth look at the Golden Gophers’ incoming freshman class.
Kelsey Hood
POSITION: Midfield
HOMETOWN: Ankeny, Iowa
HIGH SCHOOL: Ankeny High School (Rhonda Fohrs)
CLUB TEAM: Ankeny Soccer Club (Ozzie White)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose the University of Minnesota to continue my education and soccer career because of the coaching staff, the strength of women’s athletics at the U, and the great campus. Minneapolis is a great city, and my family is close enough to see all of my college games, which is important to me. I am so excited to become a Golden Gopher!”
Soccer Buzz Top 100 recruit ... Member of the Region II Team 2000-2004..ESP National Camp 2002, 2003. Region II European Tour '02. one of eight seniors in Region II invited to play in 2005 Interregional Event in Home Depot Center in LA ... Iowa State Cup Champions 2000-2004 .. four-year basketball letter winner ... four-year starter on four-time Class 4A State Championship Basketball Team ... High School Basketball Team currently ranked #15 in USA Today poll. chose Minnesota over Florida, Auburn, Kansas and West Virginia.
Get to Know Kelsey
Parents: Brent and Shannon Hood
Favorite Music: Coldplay
Favorite Movie: Princess Bride
Elena Fruci
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Mahtomedi, Minn. (Mike Redmond)
HIGH SCHOOL: Mahtomedi High School (Jeff Zupfer)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose to attend the University of Minnesota because of the Big Ten atmosphere. Also, I believe I could not find a better set of coaches than Mikki Denney Wright and her staff. I feel that they will get the best out of me as a soccer player and as a person. Their goal is to win, and I want to be a part of that. It doesn’t get any better than playing in your hometown with your relatives and friends watching.”
2004 Minnesota "Ms. Soccer" .. 2004 NSCAA/adidas All-American.. 2001- 2004 Minnesota ODP Team. 2001, '02, '03 Region A/B Pool. St Paul Pioneer Press Soccer Athlete of the Year 2004. Star Tribune Soccer Athlete of the Year 2004.. All-State, All- Metro Team 2003, '04. All-Conference 2001- 2004..Kare 11 Prep Athlete of the Week '04.. HS State Champs, Section Champs, Conference Champs '04.. Club Team ranked #17 in the nation. three Club State Championships.2002 Region II Semi-finalist ..2003 Orange Classic Semi-Finalist. chose Minnesota over Iowa State and Creighton.
Get to Know Elena
Parents: Joe and Laura Fruci
Favorite Music: Sublime
Favorite Movie: Ocean's 11 & 12
Kaitlin Wagner
POSITION: Midfield
HOMETOWN: Wayzata, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Wayzata High School (Tony Peszneker)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“I love Minnesota and to have the opportunity to stay here and play top level soccer is the chance of a lifetime. One of the most exciting things is being able to be part of a rising program and help make Minnesota Soccer great again! The coaching staff has so much enthusiasm and drive to become excellent, that I can’t wait to step on the soccer field with them. It’s also great that my family and friends will be able to watch me play, and visit often. The University really impressed me and has so much to offer academically. It is the best place for me to grow as a person.”
Ranked as one of the top five AA soccer players in the State by MSHSSCA.. 2003-2004 Minnesota ODP Team. Region II B Pool. Club Team ranked #17 in the nation. three Club State Championships.2002 Region II Semi-finalist..2003 Orange Classic Semi- Finalist. HS All-State, All-Conference, All- Metro, All-State Tournament Team, 2002, '03, '04.. 2003 and '04 HS Conference Championship. 2002 HS State Championship.HS MVP Midfield 2002, '03, '04. chose Minnesota over Michigan State and University of Kentucky.
Get to Know Kaitlin
Parents: Phil and Marie Wagner
Favorite Music: Gavin DeGraw
Favorite Movie: The Boondock Saints
Academic Interest: Education and Psychology
Clare Grimwood
POSITION: Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Eagan, MN
HIGH SCHOOL: Eagan High School (Mark Obarski)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“The University of Minnesota is a great package. The U is close to home, set in a fantastic city, and I have the opportunity to get a great education. Not only will I be attending one of the most prestigious universities in the nation, but I will also be representing Minnesota as a student-athlete. I am excited to step into the next phase of my soccer career. The facilities I will be using are amazing, the atmosphere is intense and the coaching staff couldn’t be more dedicated to success. The University of Minnesota has everything I would want in a college. Plus, I can’t wait to build this program into an NCAA Championship team.”
Ranked as one of the top five AA soccer players in the State by MSHSSCA.. Senior Classic Outstanding Player of the game.. Minnesota ODP 4 years.. All- State 2003, '04. All Conference, All- Metro 2002, '03, '04.. HS Captain and MVP '04. Club team ranked #17 in the nation. three Club State Championships.'02 Region II Semi-finalist ..03 Orange Classic Semi-Finalist.. chose Minnesota over Long Beach State and UC-Santa Barbara.
Get to Know Clare
Parents: Ross and Cathryn Grimwood
Favorite Music: The Format
Favorite Movie: How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days
Lindsey Schwartz
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Bettendorf, Iowa
HIGH SCHOOL: Pleasant Valley High School (Cathy Allbaugh)
CLUB TEAM: Heartland Soccer Club (Colin Crichton)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose to attend the University of Minnesota because of the great coaching staff, the commitment of the players and coaches to the team, the outstanding soccer facilities, the veterinary medicine program at the U, and also because it is located in a great city!”
Iowa Player of the Year 2005 ... Quad Cities Female Athlete of the Year 2005 .. Pleasant Valley Female Athlete of the Year 2004.. Iowa ODP Team 1998-2004. High School Soccer MVP 2003 and '04. Leading Scorer & Leading Assists '04. 2004 MAC Conference Champion. . four-sport Athlete, Basketball, Volleyball, Track & Soccer.. 2004 Captain Soccer, Basketball, & Volleyball. State Qualifier in Track (400 M Hurdles). chose Minnesota over Iowa State, West Virginia and Rice University.
Get to Know Lindsey
Parents: Dan and Judy Schwartz
Favorite Music: Britney Spears, Usher
Favorite Movie: Grease
Academic Interest: Veterinary Medicine
Ashley Seeler
POSITION: Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Eden Prairie, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Eden Prairie High School (Bob Pacieznik)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“The University of Minnesota seems to be a perfect fit for me. I got the feeling as soon as I stepped on campus that this is where I belong. The atmosphere as a whole was incredible: the intensity, the friendships, and a diverse group of people with common goals to succeed. There are great academic schools and there are great athletic schools; Minnesota is an excellent combination of the two.”
Ranked as one of the top five High School AA soccer players in the State by MSHSSCA . ..2000-2004 Minnesota ODP Team... Club team ranked #17 in the nation... Club State Championship 2004..HS All- State '04...1st Team All-Metro '04.All-Conference 2002, 2003, 2004.State Tournament Team 2003.. HS MVP '04.. HS Captain 2004. .Two uncles played for the Gophers (Scott Schuveiller, baseball '82- 84, Mike Pehrson, baseball '82- 86).. chose Minnesota over Indiana.
Get to Know Ashley
Parents: Dan and Kris Seeler
Favorite Music: Dashboard Confessional
Favorite Movie: Willy Wonka, Finding Nemo
Academic Interest: Journalism
Marti Klinsing
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Wayzata, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Wayzata High School (Tony Peszneker)
CLUB TEAM: Woodbury Wildcats (Kate Cortis)
Why Minnesota?
“I can take advantage of a great university right in my own backyard and play very competitive soccer. Minnesota Soccer is a top notch program and I will have the opportunity to play right in front of my family and friends.”
One of the leading goal scorers in the state ... 2005 Athena Award winner..2004 Minnesota ODP Team..All-State, All- Metro, All-Conference, All State Tournament Team '03.. HS State Champions 2002.. Channel 12 Team '03. Trojans Best Forward '03.. Trojans leading scorer '02. four-year varsity letterwinner in soccer.. three-year varsity letterwinner in basketball.
Get to Know Marti
Parents: Dave and Cindy Klinsing
Favorite Music: Maroon 5
Favorite Movie: Napolean Dynamite
Academic Interest: Communications
Carlie Edwards
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Inver Grove Heights, MN
HIGH SCHOOL: Simley High School (Steve Buterin)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
“Growing up in the state of Minnesota, I always wanted to be a Golden Gopher. I know I will have a chance to receive a great education from one of the best universities in the nation. In addition, I want to help bring a winning tradition back to the women’s soccer program. This is a great opportunity for me to play Division I soccer with some of my teammates, while being close to home.”
1998, 2003, '04 Minnesota ODP Team..Club team ranked #17 in the nation.. three Club State Championships..2002 Region II Semi-finalist..'03 Orange Classic Semi-Finalist. HS All- State 2003, '04.. HS All Conference 2001- 2004. HS MVP '03.
Get to Know Carlie
Parents: Bruce and Karen Edwards
Favorite Music: Kelly Clarkson
Favorite Movie: Miss Congeniality
Academic Interest: Child Psychology
Elise Bjerkenas
POSITION: Defender
HOMETOWN: Wayzata, MN
HIGH SCHOOL: Wayzata High School (Tony Peszneker)
CLUB TEAM: Wayzata Wave (Tony Peszneker)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose the University of Minnesota because they had the best to offer me academically and athletically. I am very impressed by the coaching staff as well as the team and I am excited to be a Gopher!”
All-State, All-Conference, All-Tournament Team Team 2003.. HS Captain. Trojan Best Defender '03.. Channel 12 Team '03...HS State Champions 2002.. Letterwinner in soccer and alpine skiing.
Get to Know Elise
Parents: Odd and Maureen Bjerkenas
Favorite Music: Linkin Park
Favorite Movie: The Boondock Saints
Nikki Jensen
POSITION: Forward
HOMETOWN: Richfield, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Richfield High School (Rob Nelson)
CLUB TEAM: Bloomington Soccer Club (Scott Zachmann)
Why Minnesota?
“After spending time with the coaches and players, it felt like family. There was the common goal to be a winning team and still be friends off the field.”
HS All-Conference 2003, '04.. HS All- State 2003, '04. HS MVP 2004. HS MVP Forward 2003, '04. varsity letter (four years) in soccer, basketball and track.
Get to Know Nikki
Parents: Jeff and Shelly Jensen
Favorite Music: Tim McGraw, Nelly
Favorite Food: Lobster Tails, Strawberry Shakes
Jamie Cheever
POSITION: Forward/Midfield
HOMETOWN: Minneapolis, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Southwest High School (Garth Thoulouis)
CLUB TEAM: St. Croix Elite (Jeff Zupfer)
Why Minnesota?
"I grew up in Minneapolis, and I love the urban setting of the University of Minnesota. The University allows me to compete at the highest level while getting an excellent education. Also, the coaches at the University will challenge me to become a better player and help me grow as a person."
2005 Athena Award winner ... will also compete for the Golden Gopher Track & Field Team ... helped lead Southwest to 2002 Conference Championship ... 2002-04 Club State Champions ... 2002 Region II Semi-finalist...member of the Minnesota ODP program 2000-03 ... All-State in Nordic Skiing • finished third at the state 5K freestyle championship ... two-time MVP of skiing team ... two-year letterwinner on the cross country team ... four-year letterwinner on the track team ... placed fourth in the 800m at the 2002 state championships ... member of the National Honor Society.
Get to Know Jamie
Parents: Mike and Tammy Cheever
Favorite Music: Counting Crowes, Third Eye Blind, Cake
Favorite Movie: Love Actually, Mirace, The Upside of Anger
Academic Interest: Sociology
Kalli Elias
POSITION: Forward/Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Byron, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Byron High School (Marc Stangler)
CLUB TEAM: RYSA (Neil Vassar)
Why Minnesota?
“The University of Minnesota has always been my place. My place to grow, learn and strive for success. I’m excited to be a part of such a great university. As well, by being a part of the Minnesota Soccer Family, my athletic dreams have really come true!”
All-State 2003, All- Conference 2003, '04.. HS Team Captain 2004.. HS Track All- State 2003..HS Track All-Conference 2000, '01, '02, '03
Get to Know Kalli
Parents: Barry and Jill Hoeppner
Favorite Music: Jesse McCartney, Jack Johnson
Favorite Movie: Bad Boys 2
Academic Interest: Nursing
Kara Elias
POSITION: Forward/Midfield/Defender
HOMETOWN: Byron, Minn.
HIGH SCHOOL: Byron High School (Marc Stangler)
CLUB TEAM: RYSA (Neil Vassar)
Why Minnesota?
“I chose the University of Minnesota because they have great academic and athletic programs. I am so excited to play Gopher Soccer because I get to play the sport I love with tons of great people! I’ll have the opportunity to be coached by the best, play with the best and be my best.”
All-State 2003, All-Conference 2003, '04..HS Team Captain 2004. HS MVP 2004.. HS Track All- State 2000.. HS Track All-Conference 2000, 2001, '02, '03
Get to Know Kara
Parents: Barry and Jill Hoeppner
Favorite Music: Jack Johnson
Favorite Movie: Sales and Marketing
