The Nebraska soccer team will honor former Husker Jenna Cooper by retiring her jersey before the inaugural Alumni Game on Saturday at 7 p.m. at the Abbott Sports Complex.
A Louisville, Ky., native, Cooper was killed in April. She was a three-year starter for Nebraska and earned first-team All-Big 12 honors in 2003.
Cooper was a particular favorite among youth soccer fans throughout Lincoln and Nebraska. She was active in the elementary schools promoting healthy lifestyles, was actively involved in youth soccer, worked numerous youth and Big Red soccer camps, and was always the last to leave the field after games, while talking to her young fans and signing autographs.
After honoring Cooper last weekend with an exhibition match in her hometown of Louisville, NU Head Coach John Walker is thankful to be able to honor her in Lincoln.
“This weekend is a very meaningful weekend for everyone associated with our program,” Walker said. “It is a great chance for players, coaches and fans to show Jenna’s family how much she was loved and appreciated here in Nebraska. We hope that fans will come out and show their support for the team and Jenna’s family on Saturday night.”
Many members of Jenna’s family will be on hand for the ceremony and for the game.
The Alumni Game will feature this year’s Nebraska team against some of the best Huskers in school history.
The alumni roster features some of the most recognizable names in Nebraska soccer history. The roster includes seven former WUSA players, two former World Cup players and boasts a total of nine All-America honors. Around 18 former Huskers are expected back for the game.
“It should be a great game with former All-Americans and national team players like Christine Latham, Jenny Benson, Meghan Anderson and Isabelle Morneau in action,” Walker said.
Admission for the game is $4 for adults and $2 for students. For ticket information, please call 1-800-8BIGRED. The Abbott Sports Complex is located 1 ? miles north of Cornhusker Hwy. on 70th St. Fans are also invited to attend the annual Meet-N-Beat the Huskers event on Friday at 6:30 p.m. at the Abbott Sports Complex.
Former Huskers Expected to Attend
Sandy (Smith) Colton
Kari Uppinghouse
Leah Lamale
Christine Latham
Breanna Boyd
Christy Harms
Amy Walsh
Isabelle Morneau
Paige Phillips
Kori Saunders
Jenny Benson
Danica Carey
Christine Gluck
Lindsay Eddelman
Kim Engesser
Meghan Anderson
Shannon Tanaka
Kelly Rheem