Monarch girls’ soccer forward/striker Cassie Owens verbally committed to the University of Florida on January 4th after an impressive sophomore season at Monarch and for her club team FC Boulder during the summer.
Owens, a junior, had 18 of her team’s 28 goals in 11 games for the Coyotes last spring, but Florida’s interest was really brought on by Owens’ performance with FC Boulder this summer.
Florida Associate Head Coach Victor Campbell watched a club game of Owens’ and “he told my club coach that they wanted to look at me more, and that I should go to their camp if I’m interested.”
Owens was interested, and in fact, Florida was only one of two schools she ever seriously considered. She decided St. John’s was too small after a visit there, but the three-day camp in Gainesville and subsequent unofficial visit in September convinced her to become a Gator.
“We had a meeting to talk about the offer. They told me I could make up my mind and let them know, but I had already made up my mind,” Owens said.
Even with her immense talent, there was some luck involved in the recruiting process. Former Monarch girls basketball coach and current gym teacher Gail Hook helped direct her friend and Florida head coach Becky Burleigh to Owens. “Hook basically gave them word of me, so I have her to thank,” said Owens.
Burleigh sent Campbell to a club game of Owens’ in the summer to get a look at the recruit.
“She’s very talented and I’m very proud of her,” senior defensive midfielder Roni Burgener said of her teammate. “She’s really fast and has really good foot skills and a good shot. She’s got the whole package.”
Owens will sit out most if not all of this spring season after tearing her ACL in the fall, but Florida’s commitment to her remains strong. She hopes to make a full return in May for summer club play.
