Butler University women’s soccer signs 6 recruits, including 4 from Nationals Soccer

The Butler University women’s soccer coaching staff has announced the addition of six student-athletes to the program.

Claire Farrington (Logan Lightning FC), Justina Gaynor (Nationals Soccer), Arianna Jalics (Nationals Soccer Union), Alli Leonard (Nationals Soccer Union), Caitlin O’Malley (Nationals Soccer), and Anna Schroeder (North Shore United) will join the Bulldogs in the fall.

“Multiple valedictorians, and an absolutely incredible collection of academic accolades across the group, sets the stage for the newest members of our program to hit the ground running and continue our tradition of outstanding academic achievement,” said co-head coaches Tari St. John and Rob Alman. “In addition, this group boasts proven leaders in community outreach and engagement projects, which aligns perfectly with a hugely important element of our BUWS program. The fact that these ladies have accomplished so much in these fields in such an understated manner, is exactly the reason that we are so excited to have them join us. Their collective humility is admirable and exactly what we look for in a Butler Bulldog.”

The recruiting class consists of student-athletes from Michigan, Wisconsin and Australia, bringing diverse and high-level experience to the Butler program.

“On the field, this class contains multiple players who have won national championships during their youth career,” said Alman. “I think the common thread among the group is a very high level of technical quality on the ball. We rely heavily on this due to our chosen style of play and game model, and it’s exciting for us to know these ladies will leave their club programs well prepared for the challenges that lay ahead when making the jump to the collegiate level. It’s also a very smart group that will adapt well to the tactical demands of the game and have proven themselves to be enthusiastic learners. We look forward with great anticipation to what this outstanding class of talented, hard-working and competitive young women can achieve in the years to come.”

Claire Farrington
Mondanville, NSW, Australia / Cavendish Rd State High School
Logan Lightning FC
Defender

Farrington played exclusively for club teams throughout her prep career including the Brisbane Roar of the W-League, the highest level of competition in Australia. The defender helped lead her team to the 2018 Senior Premier League Championship, and a 2018 Oceania Cup Championship.

Farrington was named Logan Lightning FC, Under 21 Player of the Year in 2019. The defender acted as team captain for the 2016 and 2017 NNSW Emerging Jets and the 2017 Brisbane Roar NTC.

In the classroom, Farrington earned Academic Honors, was named School Captain in 2018, and received the 2018 ADF Long Tan Youth Leadership Award.

Justina Gaynor
Shelby Township, Mich. / Notre Dame Preparatory
Nationals Development Academy
Midfield/Defender

Gaynor, sister of Bulldog junior midfielder, Celia Gaynor, was a member of the Nationals Development Academy. The midfielder was a three-time US Youth Soccer National Champion, three-time Regional Champion, and five-time Michigan State Cup Champion. Her team was also a Development Academy National Finalist in 2018 and Quarterfinalist in 2019.

Individually, Gaynor was selected to the Olympic Development Program state team, regional team and national training camp. She won the Golden Ball Award at the 2015 US Youth Soccer National Championships and was selected to the “Best XI Team” at the 2015 and 2016 USYS National Championship Series.  As a freshman at Notre Dame Preparatory, Gaynor earned All-District, All-Region and All-State Third Team accolades.

Off the field, Gaynor was a four-year Notre Dame Preparatory Highest Honor selection, an International Baccalaureate Diploma Candidate, and member of both National Honors Society and Spanish Honors Society. She was also a four-year varsity basketball player.

Arianna Jalics
Ray, Mich. / Utica High School
Nationals Union 01 Black
Midfield/Forward

Jalics, as a member of Nationals Union 01 Black, was a three-time US Youth Soccer National Champion, three-time Regional Champion and five-time State Cup Champion. Her team was also a Development Academy National Finalist in 2019.

In the most recent season, Jalics was named to the 2020 National League Midwest Conference “Best XI Team.” She was a two-year varsity player at Utica High School before playing exclusively for her club team. As a freshman, she was named team MVP and went on to earn All-State, All-District and All-Conference team selections.

Off the field, Jalics was named Valedictorian of her high school class and was an AP Scholar with Distinction. She was also a graduate of Utica Center of Math, Science, and Technology Specialty School, an AP Macro Economic Student of Recognition, and member of National Honor Society.

Alli Leonard
Troy, Mich. / Troy Athens High School
Nationals Union 01 Black
Midfield/Forward

Leonard helped lead Nationals Union 01 Black to a 2017 National Championship, a 2019 Michigan State Cup Championship and a 2018 Development Academy National Finalist finish. As a member of the Region II Team, Leonard helped secure the 2015 Olympic Development Program Championship.

Individually, Leonard is a four-time selection to the Olympic Development Regional Camp. She was named “Best XI Player” at the 2016 and 2017 National Championships and was the top goals scorer at the 2017 Midwest Regionals. During her career at Troy Athens High School, Leonard was named 2017 All-State Third Team, All-Region, All-District and All-League. She was also named MVP of her varsity team in the same season.

In the classroom, Leonard was a four-year All A-Honors Student and Summa Cum Laude. She was named a 2019 AP Economics Scholar and 2017 Scholar Athlete. Leonard was a National Honors Society member and actively involved Student Council, serving as a class representative, treasurer, and vice president.

Caitlin O’Malley
Chesterfield, Mich. / L’Anse Cruese High School
Nationals Development Academy
Defender

As a member of the Nationals Development Academy, O’Malley was a four-time US Youth Soccer Michigan State Champion and a three-time Midwest Regional and National Champion. Her team was a US Soccer Development Academy National finalist in 2018 and Quarterfinalist in 2019.

In 2018 O’Malley participated at the U16 US National Team Camp. In addition, she was named “Best XI Player” at the 2015 US Youth Soccer National Championship. O’Malley was a national, regional and state member of the Olympic Development Program. She was an All-State, All-Region, All-County, and All-District selection as a freshman defender at L’Anse Cruese High School.

Academically, O’Malley was a four-time honor roll member and an all-academic selection. She was a member of National Honor Society and student council.

Anna Schroeder
Watertown, Wis. / Watertown High School
North Shore United
Midfield/Forward

As a member of North Shore United, Schroeder helped secure two Wisconsin State Championships in 2017 and 2020. Schroeder was a 2019 Olympic Development Program State and Region II Team selection.

Schroeder was a three-year varsity starter and 2019 team captain at Waterford High School. Following her senior season, Schroeder was named All-State Honorable Mention. She was a two-time Badger South Conference First-Team selection and a Wisconsin Little Ten Conference Second Team member.

Schroeder was named Valedictorian of her high school and was a member of the High Honor Roll. She was also actively involved in National Honor Society and Spanish Honor Society.