Peoria Notre Dame graduate becomes program’s first female professional soccer player

“She was a great teammate, always excited for the success of the players around her and the team. One of the most dominant players I’ve ever seen at this high school.”

The 2019 Irish graduate and East Peoria native, a two-time All-Region and IHSSCA All-State selection, was hoping to be picked in the National Women’s Soccer League draft on January 12 but was not chosen. She has continued to work on her skills and fitness, culminating in a professional debut with Lexington, which will be part of a Super League lineup in 2024 that includes Charlotte, Dallas-Fort Worth, Brooklyn, Spokane, Tampa Bay, Fort Lauderdale and Washington D.C.

Chattanooga, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Madison and Oakland will join in subsequent seasons.

Dave Eminian is the Journal Star’s sports columnist, covering the Bradley men’s basketball teams, the Rivermen and the Chiefs. He writes the sports column Cleve In The Eve for pjstar.com. He can be reached at 686-3206 or [email protected]. Follow him on X.com @icetimecleve.