Lobo alum Ulrich heading to England to continue career
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Since graduating in the Fall of 2015, University of New Mexico women’s soccer alum Cassie Ulrich has had the itch to return to playing soccer at a competitive level.
The Rio Rancho, New Mexico, native found a way to do so and heads overseas Friday, Sept. 8, to continue her soccer journey as she’ll join the University of Nottingham women’s football team in the British Universities & Colleges Sports League in England.
Ulrich played for the Lobos from 2012-15 and was the starting goalkeeper for UNM her final three seasons. She ranks tied for second in all-time wins at keeper for the Lobos with 28, is third in goals against at 0.96 and is fifth in saves with 198.
Ulrich makes a save against Florida State in 2015 in Albuquerque.
Though her Lobo career came to a close, her desire to play soccer didn’t and she looked for possible avenues to continue playing. While she dove into her job working in student housing in Albuquerque and picking up a new sport she loves – rock climbing – while traveling in the United States, the need to play her first love – soccer – was eating at her more and more.
“The only thing I do know is that these last two years without soccer left me feeling like something was always missing,” Ulrich said. “Given that, I know I want to play as long as I can, wherever I can.”
Two prior teammates – Brianna Webster and Lindsay Guice – had went to play at the University of Nottingham and attend graduate school. Ulrich heard about the experience and decided she wanted to give it a go.
In January, Ulrich finalized all the details and she knew she was bound for England to continue her soccer career.
“I was very excited, but at the same time mellow about it,” Ulrich said. “The recruitment and application process was very straightforward and expedient. … I’m beyond excited that I get to play soccer again and in an area where soccer culture is so revered.”
Ulrich is the third Lobo alum in the last month that is traveling overseas to continue their soccer career as Brooke Webster is playing professionally in Denmark and Madison Irwin played for the U.S. at the World University Games in Taipei in late August.
Ulrich said her experience as a Lobo is something she holds close to her.
“I am so deeply connected to my experience as a Lobo,” Ulrich said. “I think about it at some point every day. I’m so proud to be able to represent UNM, my teammates, and my coaches abroad and It seems that more and more of the players are finding opportunities to keep playing. That’s so important for the team and for the university. I love that I can help establish the UNM women’s soccer program as one that prepares athletes and helps find opportunities for its players.”
Even when Ulrich’s soccer playing career ends, she’s hoping her career in soccer doesn’t.
“I’ve given a lot of thought to coaching when I’m done playing,” Ulrich said. “The most impactful part of my time as a Lobo was being able to grow with my teammates and watch them, younger and older, grow as students, athletes, strong young women and leaders. I think coaching would give me an opportunity to work with impressionable college kids while staying immersed in soccer. What could be better than that?”