University of Minnesota Athletics
Senior Spotlight: Josie Solie
9/6/2011 12:00:00 AM | Soccer
Sept. 6, 2011
One of the University of Minnesota women's soccer strengths since head coach Mikki Denney Wright took over for the program is defense. The Golden Gophers have regularly been atop the Big Ten in most defensive categories, and for the past three seasons, senior Josie Solie has been one main aspects of the backline that has made this possible.
"Josie has been an important contributor to the Minnesota soccer defense for the past three years," said head coach Mikki Denney Wright. "From 2008 to 2010, she has been a part of a backline that has given up the fewest goals in the Big Ten."
This is no understatement. Solie made her defensive prowess known from the moment she stepped foot on the field as a freshman. While appearing in 20 matches, Solie helped Minnesota lead the Big Ten in fewest goals allowed. The Mahtomedi, Minn. native also helped the Gopher defense put up 17 shutouts in a total defensive record-setting season.
Solie moved into the starting rotation for all 20 matches of her sophomore season. The Gophers only allowed 14 goals and pitched 10 shutouts in 2009, which were second and third in the conference, respectively. For her efforts, Solie was voted by her teammates as the Gophers' Defensive Most Valuable Player for the 2009 season.
"Josie is a tough defender with a great natural instinct for defending. She is a tremendous ball winner, and a great weapon scoring with her head. "
Entering her senior season, Solie and the Gophers hope to continue doing damage in the Big Ten and take it one step further from their Sweet 16 finish in 2010.
"It has been an honor and privilege coaching Josie, and I am excited to see what she will accomplish in her senior year. Josie will be an important leader for our defense this fall, and she will add knowledge and experience to our young team."
