TicketsOct. 17, 2005
by Allison Hoehn, Sports Communications Student Assistant
The UC women's soccer team has an array of fresh faces on their 2005 squad. Freshman Jenn Johannigman is one of those newcomers and she has made an immediate impact on the Bearcat's inaugural season in the BIG EAST.
A 5'3" forward, Johannigman has started all the Bearcat matches and she leads the team with four goals, including one scored in the season home opener against William & Mary. Johannigman also leads the squad in points thus far in the season.
"Naturally, I think I try to lead on the field," says Johannigman. "In the beginning of the season, I listened and I wasn't outgoing on the field. Now I'm more comfortable telling people what to do, what I think or what I see. I speak up a little more but definitely listen to the upperclassmen because they have the experience at this level."
Coming to UC from nearby Seton High School, Johannigman was selected to the All-Greater Cincinnati League in 2003 and 2004, as well as being picked as a Cincinnati Enquirer All-Star in 2004. Selecting UC was an easy choice for Jenn.
"I always wanted to stay local because I grew up in Cincinnati. My family has always been Bearcat fans. I loved my visit and I liked the coaches and the other girls on the team."
Jenn, or Jo-Jo as her teammates affectionately call her, has noticed significant differences from her high school days to now playing at the Division I collegiate level. Along with not having much free time between practice, traveling, and classes, she also sees the "faster pace and stronger physical build" of the players that she is up against.
With the BIG EAST Conference containing some of the most competitive soccer programs in the country, Johannigman and her teammates have set high goals for themselves that with hard work can still be accomplished in the 2005 season.
"Team wise, definitely to make it into the BIG EAST Tournament and compete far into the tournament," states Johannigman. " I just want to keep working hard on the field and at practice. I want to help our team win; be supportive of the team and have fun."
Thus far, Johanningman has been doing just that as she and her teammates continue to have a "positive attitude and to be extremely supportive of one another."
The Bearcats earned their first BIG EAST win against Providence in early October and close out the 2005 season at home with two Friday/Sunday weekend shifts hosting Marquette, USF, Rutgers, and Seton Hall.
Time will tell where the road at UC will lead Jenn "JoJo" Johanningman. With making such an impact and difference in her freshman season thus far, the future is looking bright for this 5'3" forward and she intends to bring the rest of the Bearcat squad into the limelight with her.