University of Kentucky women’s soccer team adds 11 players to roster

LEXINGTON, Ky. – The University of Kentucky women’s soccer program has added 11 players to the roster for the upcoming 2021 season, head coach Ian Carry announced. With the addition of the incoming freshmen, the roster totals 32 players.

The newcomers represent three countries – Denmark, Germany, and the United States – as well as six states – Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, and Virginia. The class features five defenders, two midfielders, two forwards, and two goalkeepers.

“Overall, I am very happy and excited with the quality of this 2021 incoming class,” said Carry. “As a staff, we have worked hard and purposefully with regards to specific positions to bring in a group of young women we believe have the right attributes and characteristics to add to our existing roster, which in turn will elevate the program as we continue on our upward trajectory. This is the first time we have been deep in every position and are very much looking forward to a competitive season.”

Graduation: 2021

Laura Nielsen

Goalkeeper

Kentucky Women

Represented Denmark at the U15, U17, and U19 levels
Participated at the 2018 European Championships with the U19 National Team
National Danish Cup champion from 2014-19
Won the 2017 Gothia Cup, the world’s largest international youth soccer tournament

Graduation: 2021

Lilly Huber

Midfielder

Kentucky Women

Represented Germany at the U15, U17, and U19 levels
Played for the most famous club in Germany (FC Bayern Munchen)

Graduation: 2021

Emilie Rhode

Forward

Kentucky Women

Represented Denmark at the U15 and U17 levels
Top scorer at the U14, U15, and U16 levels
Made over 40 appearances in Denmark’s national women’s league, including six with the National Team

Graduation: 2021

Earned First Team All-County and First Team All-State honors
Named Area Player of the Year as a senior
Three-star recruit by TopDrawerSoccer

Graduation: 2021

Earned All-Region and All-County honors
Georgia High School Player of the Year nominee
Georgia 6A and 7A region champion
Top-four finisher in the ECNL Southeast Region

Graduation: 2021

ECNL national runner-up in 2019
Advanced to the U.S. academy playoffs in 2018 and the ECNL playoffs in 2017

Graduation: 2021

Earned First-Team All-Region, All-Area, and All-State honors
Tallied 46 goals and 59 assists during high school career
Won the 2019 state championships with Javanon FC
Represented Kentucky at the Olympic development level

Graduation: 2021

Sara Makoben-Blessing

Defender

Kentucky Women

Represented Denmark at the U15, U17, and U19 levels
Played for the most prestigious club in Denmark
Was part of Brondby IF’s first team Champions League roster, the highest level of women’s club soccer in the world

Graduation: 2021

Led Hanover to an undefeated season as a senior
Allowed only 22 goals during her high school career
Named to the U.S. Youth ODP East Regional National and International teams
Three-time National Premier League finalist

Graduation: 2021

Earned First Team All-District, Second Team All-State, and Third Team All-State honors
Advanced to the semifinals of the Girls Academy League National Tournament
Midwest Conference and Spring Great Lakes Conference champion