TicketsBalconi Signs With Iceland Club
Contact: Jeremy Martin
4/12/2005
Renee Balconi played in 80 matches for the Bearcats, starting 56. |
by Allison Hoehn
CINCINNATI, Ohio ? University of Cincinnati women?s soccer player Renee Balconi (Westerville, Ohio/Westerville North) has signed a professional contract to play overseas with the ?A Sportsclub of Arkranes Football Club in Iceland this summer.
?Since I was a kid, I?ve always wanted to play (professionally),? said Balconi. ?I?ve always been told that you should set goals when you are young and to make sure you accomplish them.?
Balconi, a three-year starter, and four year defensive backbone for the Bearcats, was named All-Conference USA at the conclusion of the 2004 season. She started all 18 matches and served as a tri-captain along with tallying one assist on the year.
?Renee is making the University of Cincinnati women?s soccer program look great,? said head coach Meridy Glenn. ? She is so excited and we are excited for her. I can?t think of a better person to represent our program and UC, as well as the United States, overseas.?
A member of two NCAA tournament teams, Balconi ends her career as a Bearcat with two goals and one assist. She played in a total of 80 matches, starting 56, and won two C-USA Championships.
Balconi will leave for Iceland as early as May 19.
?I just want everyone who has helped me to know how thankful I am to them," she commented. "If it wasn?t for them, I would not be going, or be where I am today.?