Photo by: Beverly Schaefer
Sheppard '20 Signs with UMF Afturelding in Iceland
January 22, 2021 | Women's Soccer
All-Ivy honoree and two-time Ivy League champion Olivia Sheppard '20 will continue her soccer career with Iceland's UMF Afturelding for the upcoming season, the club has announced.
Sheppard, a midfielder/defender was an honorable mention All-Ivy in a 2018 season that saw the Tigers win the Ivy for the second straight year and advance to the NCAA tournament. She played in 66 games across her Tiger career, starting 56. Shepard has also been a part of Canada's U-20 national team program.
"I'm ecstatic that Olivia has decided to pursue a professional soccer opportunity," Princeton coach Sean Driscoll said. "From the moment she arrived onn campus, she displayed a tremendous understanding of the game and poise, regardless of where she was on the field. While she spent a majority of her time at center back, she also had the skill set and awareness to play in midfield, which she did in her first year. Her vision and incredible dribbling prowess allowed her to solve many problems during countless games. Somehow, someway, Olivia escaped pressure time and time again. That same amazing attribute, along with her passing rance and defensive presence, will be a huge asset in Iceland. UMF Afturelding are getting a talented, versatile and passionate soccer player as well as a great human being. I eagerly look forward to tracking Olivia's professional journey and wish her the very best."
Sheppard joins other signees from recent classes including Jesse McDonough '17 at Havre Athletic Club in France and Mimi Asom '19 with Benfica in Portugal.
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Sheppard, a midfielder/defender was an honorable mention All-Ivy in a 2018 season that saw the Tigers win the Ivy for the second straight year and advance to the NCAA tournament. She played in 66 games across her Tiger career, starting 56. Shepard has also been a part of Canada's U-20 national team program.
"I'm ecstatic that Olivia has decided to pursue a professional soccer opportunity," Princeton coach Sean Driscoll said. "From the moment she arrived onn campus, she displayed a tremendous understanding of the game and poise, regardless of where she was on the field. While she spent a majority of her time at center back, she also had the skill set and awareness to play in midfield, which she did in her first year. Her vision and incredible dribbling prowess allowed her to solve many problems during countless games. Somehow, someway, Olivia escaped pressure time and time again. That same amazing attribute, along with her passing rance and defensive presence, will be a huge asset in Iceland. UMF Afturelding are getting a talented, versatile and passionate soccer player as well as a great human being. I eagerly look forward to tracking Olivia's professional journey and wish her the very best."
Sheppard joins other signees from recent classes including Jesse McDonough '17 at Havre Athletic Club in France and Mimi Asom '19 with Benfica in Portugal.
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