by Leigh Campbell

Ms. Lauren Fowlkes, an STA alumna, became a professional soccer player last year when she was drafted by the Philadelphia Independence. After Fowlkes played one season with the Philadelphia Independence, the Women’s Professional Soccer League canceled the 2012 season several weeks ago due to legal issues that have been costly to the league with a former owner, Mr. Dan Borislow. WPS plans to resume play in the 2013 season.

After the league terminated Borislow’s team, Magic Jack, he sued causing a legal battle that has yet to reach a conclusion.

“It was a very difficult and sad day for women’s soccer,” Head coach of the Philadelphia Independence Paul Riley said. “WPS was able to bring the top players in the world together and the young soccer hopefuls needed these role models and heroes. Optimistically we hope the league rebounds and creates a special place for the world’s best.”

Fowlkes, after graduating from STA in 2007, played at the University of Notre Dame. There, she won a national championship in 2010. She also helped the US win the U-20 FIFA World Cup and was on the U-23 national team.

“As a young athlete, like when I was little, I never thought that I would actually be able to play professional soccer, so the moment you get drafted is kind of like filling that dream, Fowlkes said. “And you never know, because in playing sports anything can happen. You know with injuries and girls going to college and they are almost injured the whole time just because of bad luck.”

According to STA head soccer coach Jeffery McElduff (who was an assistant coach at the time Fowlkes played at STA), expected Fowlkes could play professional soccer because as a freshman she was playing several years past her age making her a tougher competitor. After she graduated from Notre Dame Lauren was drafted fifth in the country overall to be on a professional team by Riley.

“We drafted Lauren because she has a pro body, a good soccer mind and a competitive spirit,” Riley said. “Having played in many big games at Notre Dame we also felt she had the experience and big game temperament to cope with the pressures of playing against the world’s best players.”

The Women’s Professional Soccer league recently announced the cancellation of the 2012 season, meaning Fowlkes only got to play one season. According to Fowlkes she plans to play with the Chicago Red Stars Semi Pro team this summer and is also looking to further her education in medicine.