Published: July 21, 2008 02:50 pm            

Avon duo heads to Purdue

AVON — In 2005 and 2006, Nikki Schmidt and Kaitlyn Blacha led the Avon girls’ soccer team within three wins of a state championship. Now, the two Avon graduates will pair up to help the Purdue women’s soccer team continue its winning ways. Last season, the Boilermakers won 20 games, captured the Big Ten championship, and advanced to the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament.

“At Avon, we are very excited to have a player continue their soccer career in college, especially at a major university and at a top-10 nationally-ranked program in Purdue,” Avon girls’ soccer coach Brian Holmer said. “To have two from the same senior class attend and play soccer there is phenomenal. These two ladies have worked extremely hard and could make an immediate impact next year for the Boilers.”

Schmidt, a midfielder, helped lead the Orioles to three regional titles from 2004 to 2006. She was named All-State and Academic All-State twice and was a team captain for Avon’s soccer and basketball teams.

“Soccer’s been my obsession since I was about 6,” Schmidt said. “It’s an honor to be on this team — a great Division I program with a great coach.”

Schmidt’s sister currently attends Purdue and her father is an alumnus.

Blacha transferred to Avon from Terre Haute South following her freshman year. At forward, Blacha scored a team-high 14 goals in 2007. An All-State selection, Blacha hopes to help the Boilermakers continue their winning tradition.

“That’s always exciting to represent a team that has made a good name for themselves,” she said. “But there is also added pressure to that because you have standards to hold and you are expected to represent them just as well if not better.”

Purdue loses seven starters from last season and currently only has three players with senior eligibility on the roster, which will give Schmidt and Blacha a good opportunity to fight for playing time.

“Anytime seniors graduate and leave the team, they also leave an open opportunity,” Blacha said. “Since Purdue has graduated a big senior team, it creates huge opportunities for freshmen. But there is also a large number of incoming freshmen so the competition for an open spot is still high.”

While both players have extensive experience at the club and high school level, playing at a top-tier Division I program is sure to be a challenging transition.

“It will be really different to play on that level, but I’m always up for a challenge,” Schmidt said.

Purdue coach Rob Klatte will enter his 11th season as head coach of the program and has compiled a 116-73-19 record.

Schmidt and Blacha are both thrilled to have a familiar face making the transition to Purdue with them.

“Kaitlyn played with me for three years and she’s a great player,” Schmidt said. “We know a lot about each other and play off each other.”

Added Blacha, “I'm very excited she is going with me. With all the nerves of going off to college and playing Division I soccer, it is very nice to have someone you know to share the experience with so you don't feel so alone.”

Purdue opens its season at Kansas at 5 p.m. Aug. 22.

        

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