Butler University signs Scottish U19 National Team member along with pair of U.S. recruits

Butler University women’s soccer co-head coaches Tari St. John and Rob Alman have announced the anticipated arrival of a talented incoming class as three new standouts will join the program for the upcoming fall season.

Incoming Bulldogs
Lucia Englund, Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin/Whitefish Bay
Norah Jacomen, Knoxville, Tennessee/Hardin Valley Academy
Leila Lister, Reading, England/The Abbey School/Colorado

Coaches St. John and Alman on the newest members of the squad: “For the third year running, we are thrilled to have multiple players returning to utilize their 5th (covid impacted) season with us – which, in turn, led to us planning for a small number of players in this class who we felt could have a major impact. In Lucia, Norah, and Leila we are incredibly confident that we achieved our aim. For that, we are incredibly grateful for everyone involved in their process, development and journey to becoming a Bulldog!”

The newcomers join a Butler side that finished the 2022 season in a tie for third in the BIG EAST conference standings, marking the sixth straight year finishing inside the top 3. The Bulldogs qualified for the postseason BIG EAST Tournament for the eighth consecutive season.

The coaches added: “All three ladies bring pace, quickness, great individual ability, and creativity on the ball, and they are excited to add to the dynamic, attack-minded approach that we enjoy playing. In keeping with our culture, our newest members of our program are humble, unassuming, fantastic teammates. We look forward to integrating them into our program and to the impact they will have on the field and within the Butler community.”

Lucia Englund
Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin/Whitefish Bay HS, 5′-6″

A High School All-American, Englund has received All-State and All-Conference recognition through her first three seasons at Whitefish Bay, with her senior season ongoing this Spring. Englund played her club ball for North Shore United.

On choosing Butler: “Immediately I loved the campus and the idea of being close to a big city like Indianapolis. It was an ideal size for me and isn’t too far away from home. I also love the coaches and the players! When I visited, I felt super comfortable with the team, and they made me feel welcome and like a part of the team! Looking forward to being a Bulldog!”

Englund plans to major in Health Science.

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Norah Jacomen
Knoxville, Tennessee/Hardin Valley Academy

Jacomen played for FC Alliance where she received All-Ohio Valley Conference First Team honors from the ECNL and is the No. 8 ranked player in the South Region according to TopDrawer Soccer. She was selected to All-State teams in multiple years for her play at Hardin Valley Academy along with All-Region and All-District honors. After the 2022 season, she was honored as District Offensive Player of the Year after producing 30 goals and 10 assists.

On choosing Butler: “I chose Butler because of the highly rated academics, campus environment, amazing team chemistry, and style of play. The coaching staff has been at the school for a long time and made me feel very comfortable and valued as a player.”

Jacomen plans to major in marketing.

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Leila Lister
Reading, England/The Abbey School/Colorado

Lister played her club soccer for Reading WFC in England. She has seven caps for Scotland’s U19 national team and was awarded Player of the Match for her performances vs. Wales and Kazakhstan. She joins the Bulldogs following one season at Colorado, where she made 14 appearances during the 2022 season.

On choosing Butler: “I chose Butler, as it is going to provide the best environment for me to improve, both athletically and academically.”

Lister plans to major in Biomedical Engineering.