TicketsAug. 30, 2008
CINCINNATI - Two former University of Cincinnati women's soccer standouts, Renee' Balconi (2001-04) and Becky Imhoff (2003-06), have been selected to attend the inaugural United Soccer Leagues W-League Combine being held in Tampa, Sept. 4-7. The combine is in its first year and gives 128 players the opportunity to showcase their abilities for Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) general managers and coaches.
After earning All-Conference USA honors as a senior, Balconi, a defender, signed a professional contract with the ÍA Sportsclub of Arkranes Football Club in Iceland, becoming the first Bearcat to sign a professional contract. Imhoff, a midfielder, served as UC's team captain as a senior and was the team-leader in goals (4) and points (8). Both players most recently played for the W-League Cleveland Internationals .
"We could not be more proud of Becky and Renee' as they pursue their dreams of playing in the WPS," said UC head coach Michelle Salmon. "As University of Cincinnati alum's they exemplify the ideal role model for our current players. We wish both of them the best of luck in this pursuit."
The inaugural WPS season kicks off in April 2009 with play in seven cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York/New Jersey, St. Louis and Washington, D.C. W-League players will have their first opportunity to be selected by WPS teams when the WPS General Draft is held on Oct. 6.