Aug 16, 2013
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Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide.
IOWA CITY, Iowa — When the University of Iowa soccer team hosts Milwaukee in an exhibition contest Saturday at the Iowa Soccer Complex, the game will carry a little more meaning for junior transfer Emily Scott.
Scott will make her Hawkeye debut while squaring off against the program where she spent her first two collegiate seasons helping the Panthers to a pair of Horizon League titles and NCAA Tournament appearances.
“It is going to be interesting, and it is definitely ironic,” said Scott, a native of Tinley Park, Ill. “I am excited regardless of whom the first team we play is because it is my first game as a Hawkeye. It happens to be my old team, but it’s still a game, and I still want to win to start the season off right.”
Scott started every game as a freshman at Milwaukee in 2011 at the central defender position, helping the Panthers to 12 shutouts and a 0.67 goals against average. For her efforts, she was selected to the Horizon League All-Newcomer team honors.
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“It is going to be interesting, and it is definitely ironic. I am excited regardless of whom the first team we play is because it is my first game as a Hawkeye. It happens to be my old team, but it’s still a game, and I still want to win to start the season off right.”
UI junior Emily Scott
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As a sophomore, Scott played every minute of the season at central defender, becoming the first Milwaukee position player since 2006 to not come off the field. She was a key part of a Panther defense that tallied seven shutouts.
After playing for two coaches in her first two seasons at Milwaukee, Scott was looking for a change. Coming out of high school, the University of Iowa was among her top three when she decided to become a Panther. Following the 2012 season, she elected to revisit that list.
“When I was going through the recruiting process when I was a junior in high school, Iowa was one of my favorites,” said Scott. “I made the decision to go to Milwaukee, and I had a great two years there.
“Some things changed, the coaching staff left, and I was thinking about my future and what I wanted for soccer, and I decided to take a look at Iowa again. I fell back in love with it and decided it was the best fit for me.”
Scott is not only joining a new team, but she will be taking on a new position with the Hawkeyes. After playing two collegiate seasons as a defender at Milwaukee, she will be shifting back to the midfield, a move she is comfortable with and enjoying.
“I have been an attacking player my whole life,” she said. “I only played defense the two years at Milwaukee in my entire soccer career. Going back to my natural position will be fun, and I’m really excited for the challenge.”
The transition to the midfield and the adjustment to new surroundings and teammates has gone as smooth as Scott could have hoped during the early portion of fall training camp.
“The girls have been really welcoming,” she said. “The first week and a half (of practice) has gone really well. I am happy to be a part of this team, and for what’s to come this season.”
Saturday’s exhibition game is slated to begin at noon at the Iowa Soccer Complex. The Hawkeyes open the regular season Aug. 23 at Drake at 7 p.m.