Soccer Alumnae Celebrate 25th Anniversary
October 02, 2006 | Women's Soccer
The University of Wisconsin women's soccer program will officially celebrate its 25th anniversary as a varsity sport this weekend in Madison. More than 100 former and current players and staff will come together for three days of festivities, highlighted by a reception at the Kohl Center Saturday night in a reunion put on by the National W Club.
The celebration begins at 7 p.m. Friday when the women's soccer team plays host to Michigan at the McClimon Soccer Complex in a rematch of the 2005 Big Ten Tournament championship game.
On Saturday, alumnae will gather for the football team's game with Northwestern, which includes the Badger Blast tailgate party. The group will also be recognized during the game. The social reception begins at 6:30 p.m. in the Nicholas-Johnson Pavilion at the Kohl Center, with a program looking back on the past 25 years set for 7 p.m.
Current head coach Dean Duerst, who has been a member of the coaching staff for 18 of the 25 years, will serve as the Master of Cermonies. Those scheduled to speak include:
' Paula Bonner, President and CEO of Wisconsin Alumni Association
' Craig Webb, the program's first head coach
' Karen Lunda, the program's first All-American
' Cheryl Bailey, former SWA at the University of Wisconsin
' Heather Taggart, two-time All-American and 1992 Big Ten Medal of Honor winner
' Jessica Ring, two-time team captain and 2006 Big Ten Medal of Honor winner
Among those also scheduled to be in attendance are former All-Americans Julie Angevine, Jill Stewart, Shannon Brown and Allison Wagner.
The weekend concludes Sunday with a pick-up alumnae game at 11 a.m. at the U-Bay fields followed by the women's soccer team battling Michigan State at 1 p.m. at the McClimon Soccer Complex.
