University of North Carolina Athletics
Heels To Know: Women's Soccer
October 2, 2014 | Women's Soccer
Note: This story originally appeared in this week's issue of CAROLINA, the official publication of Carolina athletics. Download the free mobile app for iOS or Android devices or visit the web viewer for more great content.
By Michael Melvin
Summer Green is Carolina's undisputed star player in 2014. The junior forward from Milford, Mich. was the team's third-leading point producer in 2013 with nine goals and six assists, earning third-team All-ACC honors. Green was named to the U.S. National Team and competed in the U-20 World Cup in Canada over the summer. A crafty scorer who has a knack for finding space and goal-scoring opportunities, Green has a goal and four assists thus far in the season and leads the team in shots and shots on goal. Look for Green to continue her dominance up top for Carolina, producing scoring opportunities for the Tar Heel attack.
The senior defender from Austin, Texas is Carolina's definitive anchor in the back. Murray has started on the defense in each of her first three years and is one of the team's most important leaders. Murray is known as an aggressive and strong player best known for her speed and natural defensive ability. She played a crucial role in the 2012 NCAA College Cup, where she earned the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award in helping Carolina win a national championship. Look for Murray's leadership in the back to be a key at Carolina's path into the postseason this year.
Junior Katie Bowen is one of the Carolina's most consistent performers. A native of Auckland, New Zealand, Bowen is an experienced midfielder who played on the 2012 national championship team. Bowen played in all 25 games and assisted on four game-winning goals in 2013, and she is also a member of the New Zealand National Football Team. Bowen's scrappy style and corner-taking skill will be crucial for controlling possession and capitalizing on set plays this year. Look for Bowen to step up as a true leader in the midfield this season.
Carolina's youngest breakout star this season is sophomore Joanna Boyles. The Raleigh native leads the team in goals and assists, tallying two goals and three assists through nine games. Boyles tallied 626 minutes during the course of the season in 2013 and she has already accumulated 684 this year for the Tar Heels. Boyles has been the team's biggest surprise, and her contribution to Carolina's attack will be critical as the team heads deep into ACC play.
