« Women’s Soccer 2014

Kirsten Eriksen

School
American
Position
Defender
Major
Biology

Classroom

The three-time Patriot League Academic Honor Roll selection boasted a 3.94 GPA in Biology last year, helping AU to NSCAA Team Academic honors as well as an NCAA APR Public Recognition Award. AU boasted a 3.42 team GPA. Member of Phi Delta Epsilon medical fraternity. Had a GPA in the top-10 percent of all student-athletes at American in both 2012 and 2014. Made the Dean’s List in Spring 202, Fall 2013 and Spring 2014. Plans on pursing a graduate degree in Physician’s Assistance while already spending summers shadowing PA’s at her local hospital.

Character

A leader both on and off the field, her calming presence on the pitch and in the locker room helped AU reach back-to-back Patriot League Semifinals for the first time in nearly 10 years, despite having a first-year head coach. Active in the AU campus, helping at American’s Annual Campus Beautification day. While Eriksen is a physical presence and anchor or AU’s staunch defensive unit, off the field she is a friendly and caring individual who always puts others ahead of herself, taking the time to say hi to just about everyone on campus.

Community

Volunteer medical assistant in March of 2014 on global medical brigade to rural Honduran community to help run a four-day medical and dental clinic free of charge to those who did not have access to healthcare. Part of Washington, D.C.‘s Aiton Elementary School “Bear Buddies” program where once a week a group of student-athletes would spend time and have lunch with young children to develop friendships and serve as mentors and role models. Three-year member of Dr. Seuss Day in D.C., reading books to children in at-risk areas of Washington.

Competition

Two-time Patriot League Second Team selection, earning the distinction in each of the past two seasons. Eriksen has started every game the past two years, helping American to a 1.02 goals against average last season, lowering that mark to an impressive 0.64 GAA in conference games. Earned Patriot League Defensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in her career last year. Led AU to back-to-back Patriot League Semifinal appearances for the first time in almost 10 years. Anchored a clean sheet for AU in the Eagles’ conference playoff game at Army last season, helping American upset the Black Knights on penalty kicks after a 0-0 double overtime tie. Has played 53 total games with 39 starts, totaling 12 shots from the back line.