The Sea-Hawks women's soccer team are adding proven firepower to their line up ahead of 2024 AUS season. Jen Milligan, a star striker with the Nipissing Lakers, will transfer to Memorial fresh off the recent completion of her undergraduate degree. Milligan has been a standout on the OUA circuit ever since her debut, earning conference all-star honors in each of her 3 seasons.
She has posted 21 goals and 16 assists in 39 career appearances for the Lakers, and her track record for creating offence is expected to further bolster the Sea-Hawks attacking play. Milligan was named the 2021-22 Nipissing University Athletics Rookie of the year, and in 2022-23 was the women's soccer team MVP. In the club landscape, the Strathroy, Ontario native is a perennial standout for League 1 outfit FC London.
An equally impressive performer in the classroom, Jen has been an Academic All-Canadian every year of her career. At Memorial she will take a 2-year master's degree in Human Kinetics & Recreation, aligning nicely with her 2 years of remaining U-Sports eligibility.
"From an educational perspective, I chose Memorial University because the Master of Human Kinetics program was very appealing" said Milligan. "I know it will help me achieve my future professional goals." From a soccer point of view "after conversing with Mike, I understood what the program and team were all about, and it seemed like a good fit for me. I hope to continue to grow and learn as a player, and to help the team compete for an AUS championship in the upcoming seasons."
"This is the type of player that can help us get to the next level" revealed Coach Mike Power. "With Jen's experience and abilities, I anticipate she'll be looking to make impact in the AUS from day 1."
Jen continued "knowing that this team already has a great foundation, I am looking forward to contributing my efforts as an attacking player, and to use my pace to my advantage. I like to make runs behind the backline of opposing teams and I believe that my work ethic allows me to press opponents effectively".
"Jen is a well-rounded and versatile player. She's very dangerous playing anywhere in the top 3, and she can be productive in the midfield as well" said coach Power. "Jen's averaging just about a goal contribution per game over the span of her OUA career. That's a great yield for any player at this level, and we'll look to set her up for similar success in our program."
The team will also benefit from an injection of leadership, as Milligan has served as a team captain with the Lakers. "I am looking forward to meeting all my new teammates and coaches, as well as learning the team's style of play. I am also looking forward to exploring what St. John's has to offer" added Milligan.
Milligan becomes the fourth member of Memorial's 2024 recuiting class following the announcements of Swiss Youth International Goalkeeper Leana Claude, as well as local starlets Luci Thoms and Ellie Power. The Sea-Hawks will open the 2024 AUS season on the road as they visit the UPEI Panthers on August 30th. Memorial's home opener will be 5pm on Friday, September 6th vs the visitng UNB Reds. The team's entire 2024 AUS schedule can be found here.