2023 was another great season for FCW alums in college and professional soccer, with conference championships national tournament appearances, and individual accolades both on and off the field.  In total, more than 40 former players were competing in college soccer, while four club graduates continue to forge professional soccer careers. 

College Soccer

Seven FC Wisconsin players competed in NCAA National Tournaments in 2023 from Division 1 to Division III. Emma Jaskaniec and Aryssa Mahrt led the University of Wisconsin attack all season propelling them to the second round of the NCAA Division 1 National Tournament. Megan Cornell, Rachel Dallett and Dara Andringa were also important contributors to the Badger squad. 

Elsewhere in the Big 10, Marisa Grzesiak had an excellent season, as did her University of Indiana Hoosiers who advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 2013.  In the Missouri Valley, Nicole Norfolk finished her exceptional career at Valparaiso by leading them to their first NCAA tournament since 2014.

In Division 3 soccer, three former players came close to a national championship with their teams. Tyler Wilson came closest, playing her last game for Washington University St. Louis in the National Championship game. Unfortunately the Bears came up short, losing 1-0 to California Lutheran. 

Rachel Janes reached the NCAA Division III quarter-final round with UW-La Crosse, and Lauren Davis led MIT to the round of 16. 

In conference play, Drake University were led by Amelia Crabtree to a Missouri Valley Conference regular season championship. The Bulldogs were beaten in the Conference Tournament Championship game, by Norfolk and Valparaiso. 

Wilson and Wash U St Louis were UAA champions, while Janes and UW-L were both WIAC Regular season and tournament champions. 

Individual Awards

There were numerous individual awards for FCW Alums this fall, with Jaskaniec leading the way. Emma added 2023 1st Team All-Big Ten, and 2023 1st Team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region to her lengthy list of awards to finish her collegiate career.

Crabtree and Norfolk were both rewarded for their outstanding seasons by being named Missouri Valley 1st Team All-Conference, and 2nd Team United Soccer Coaches All-Midwest Region.

Peighton Steffen (Creighton University) was named to the Big East All-Conference 3rd team.  Maya Alberts (Lawrence University) placed on the All-Midwest Conference 1st Team, and Lauren Davis was awarded All NEWMAC 2nd Team honors. 

FCW players are also excelling in the classroom, with Jaskaniec, Steffen, Emily Ehlert (Illinois State), Haley Johnson (Pacific University), and Abi Santana (Creighton) all being recognized CSC Academic All-District. 

Professional Soccer

In the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), Elyse Bennett competed for an NWSL championship for the second season in a row.  After moving to the OL Reign for the 2023 season, Bennett helped the Reign to the NWSL Final, playing in 22 games and scoring 2 goals. Unfortunately for Elyse, the Reign lost 2-1 to Gotham FC, making it two straight runner-up finishes for Bennett. 

Kate Del Fava is becoming an established NSWL Professional. Now in her 5th season in the league, Kate started 21 out of 22 games for the Kansas City Current in 2023. Jordyn Bloomer, recently signed a new contract with Racing Louisville FC keeping her at the club through 2025.

In Europe, Jen Wandt became part of history at Trelleborgs FF helping the Swedish club to its second straight promotion. Trelleborgs will compete in the Damallsvenskan next season - Sweden’s top division and one of Europe's strongest women's leagues. Wandt made 28 appearances in goal in 2023 before leaving the club to return the US to begin her coaching career at Illinois State University. 

FC Wisconsin is proud to have been part of the journey for these college and professional players, and are even more proud of the success they are having today. FC Wisconsin players continue to excel at the next level, contributing regularly for their teams, leading them the championships, and leaving a positive impact on the programs they represent. 

Click here to see the complete list of more than 150 college players, Youth National Team and professional players. 

If you are interested learning more about what makes FC Wisconsin unique, contact us at info@fcwisconsin.com.