Flynn, Huskers Hungry for B1G Championship

Growing up, Caroline Flynn moved nine times. She lived in six different states, nine different houses and attended two different high schools. But throughout it all, one thing stayed the same – soccer.

“When I was little, I loved playing soccer and through all the moves, it was the one thing that stayed the same,” Flynn said. “With me moving so often, it was really cool to always have a group of friends. Every time I moved, I always had my teammates.” I think there were [times when] I did not know people and it was difficult, but [with soccer] I had a family.”

A born competitor, soccer came naturally to Flynn, who has been playing the game since she was four-years-old.

“I was always a naturally aggressive player,” Flynn said. “I played with a bunch of boys growing up. My brother was three years older than me so I would play with him and his friends. I did soccer and gymnastics growing up and it came to the point where [I had to pick one]. Gymnastics is more of an individual sport so I think I really like the whole team aspect. I love being part of a team.”

Soccer became her passion, something Flynn credits to her father Danny. 

“My dad loves baseball and has a lot of passion for the sport,” Flynn said. My mom and my brother [focused more on school]. My brother was a great baseball player, but he didn’t love it. I’m not kidding when I say I love soccer. When I’m playing it that’s when I’m so happy. I spent hours when I was little juggling and working on different skills to get better and I don’t know where that passion comes from, but I definitely have that passion for soccer.”

Flynn’s passion for the sport is complimented with a natural competitor’s attitude and an incredible work ethic.

“I think everyone would say I’m a hard worker,” Flynn said. “I think leadership is big, but I think leading by example is huge so I think being able to go to practice and give 110% [is one of my roles on the team].”

Her hard work earned her a spot on the Huskers’ lineup as soon as she arrived at Nebraska. She’s played in more than 60 games at NU, starting them all. Her success as a collegiate player put her in the national and international spotlight. In 2016, Flynn played with the Under 23 USA National Team in Europe, helping the team win its second consecutive Nordic Cup. 

Flynn’s work ethic, competitive fire and passion exist not just on the soccer field, but in everything she does, including her schoolwork. 

“I’m very competitive with myself and I’m a very self-motivated person,” Flynn said. “Growing up, what my parents always told me was, ‘If you try your best, then we will be happy.’ So I’ve used that my whole life. I better give it my best. I want my parents to be proud of me. I want to be proud of myself. So with school it’s just a lot of hard work. I take pride in the amount of work I put in.”

And it pays off. Her academic resume alone is lengthy. Flynn is a three-time Academic All-Big Ten pick, a three time Big Ten Distinguished scholar and a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree. And, to top it all off, she currently holds a nearly a perfect 4.0 GPA. The exception? 

“I got an A- in a class during the first semester of my freshman year,” Flynn said.  “And it was a 92.99 percent.”

Now, as a competitor in the classroom, she’s on a mission to finish her last semester the way the last eight have gone.

As for the soccer field, Flynn is going to make her last season count. The season, she almost didn’t get.

In 2013, during her sophomore season, Flynn suffered a season-ending knee injury. A devastating thing at the time, but Flynn found the silver lining.

“I’m a big believer that everything happens for reason, so I think that maybe when I tore my ACL it was a time when I was taking the game for granted and then once I tore it I realized how much the game meant to me,” Flynn said. “I’ve always been a person that plays for the love of the game more than anything. I think I wasn’t loving the process, the practices and the grind. So when I tore it, it was very eye opening. I love the game I need to remember that.”

She was able to take a medical redshirt, receiving an extra year of eligibility, allowing her one more season - this season - at Nebraska.

“I think it’s so cool that I’m here now because both of my roommates were seniors last year and when senior day came I was so thankful I had one year left,” Flynn said. “I didn’t feel ready to be done.”

She still has some unfinished business left to do. In 2013, when Flynn was sidelined by her injury, her team won the Big Ten Championship. Flynn wants a repeat this season, with one difference. 

“I want to be on the field this time,” Flynn said.  “My best soccer moment is yet to come. I want to win a Big Ten Championship. This team is in the same mindset. We’re ready to win a Big Ten Championship.”