Emily Zurrer

Classroom

As an advertising major, Zurrer has maintained solid academic standing throughout her career. She received Academic All-Big Ten honors and has accumulated above a 3.0 GPA. Emily is expected to graduate in the spring of 2009.

Character

If I had to choose words to describe Emily Zurrer, they would be words in the vein of mature, well adjusted, easy-going, friendly, outgoing, and self-assured. These words encompass what you would think of a world class Olympic athlete, a Canadian National Team player, a Big Ten Conference Co-Defensive Player of the Year and the Illini team captain, and these are the qualities that make Emily Zurrer a special and unique athlete. She keeps everything in perspective and weathers the ups and downs of life and of athletics with an amazing positive demeanor and a constant smile. She has lofty goals and goes after them with intent and purpose. Emily has a perspective on life that is amazing to see in a young, talented, driven athlete. She lives life in a way that things matter, but nothing too much, and people matter the most. She captains our team because she provides a calm demeanor, a mature perspective, and a competitive fire. It is so unique for someone to be able to find the balance in those emotions.

Community

Zurrer has become very involved in the community during her four years in the Orange and Blue. She has participated in Read Across America and made visits to Yankee Ridge Elementary School, addressing various topics such as staying in school, making good grades and treating others with respect. Zurrer also has been involved with the Crisis Nursery Holiday Shop, assisting young shoppers in purchasing presents and visited Carle Pediatrics to talk with kids and brighten their spirits.

Competition

A two-time All-American, Zurrer was named the Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Year as a sophomore and has continued to develop into one of the premier collegiate defenders in the nation. In addition to playing with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the W-League over the summer, Zurrer was named to the Canadian Women’s National Team and started every match for the team at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. The Vancouver, B.C., native received preseason recognition for the second year in a row after being named to the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Watch List. She was also named a preseason All-American by Soccer America. Zurrer was a force for the Illini last season as they collected 12 shutouts, including a record seven in a row at home. During her tenure anchoring the back line, Illinois has produced 33 shutouts and made three NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the Round of 16 during her sophomore season.