FC Portland ECNL defender signs with the University of Minnesota

MINNEAPOLIS – University of Minnesota soccer head coach Stefanie Golan has announced the addition of Cali Carmichael to the program’s incoming 2021 recruiting class.

“Cali is a very determined young woman who will provide some depth on our back line,” Golan said. “She has all of the physical tools to compete in the Big Ten and we are looking forward to seeing how quickly she can develop in our program.”

With Carmichael joining the fold, Minnesota will now welcome seven total freshmen to the active roster for the upcoming fall semester. Overall, eight new faces will be eligible to compete for Minnesota in fall 2021, as transfer Izzy Brown will suit up for her first season as a Gopher as well.

Carmichael comes to the U from Sunset High School in Portland, Ore., where she lettered as a defender under coaches Benjamin and Justin Durano. In 2019, Carmichael earned Second Team All-State honors while helping power Sunset to a postseason appearance. Back in 2017, Carmichael and Sunset finished as the state runner-up.

Additionally, the rising defender has competed for FC Portland ECNL (2017-21), Tualatin Hills United Club (2014-17) and BSC Oregon (2012-14). In 2016, Carmichael won the State Cup and Presidents Cup with Tualatin Hills. She also went on to reach the ECNL playoffs with FC Portland in 2018.

Cali is the daughter of Brittini and Jonathan Carmichael, with the former having played collegiate soccer at Washington State. She has one older brother (William) and one older sister (Kendsy). As a 2019 Scholar Athlete Award recipient, Cali intends to major in either business or journalism at Minnesota.

Why Minnesota soccer: “The atmosphere looks really great and all the coaches were amazing and super welcoming. I am also excited to experience a whole new state and the facilities were awesome.”