The talent of Kara Lang has never been a question. The star
freshman forward for the UCLA women’s soccer team has been a
part of the Canadian National team since she was just 15 years
old
As the No. 1 overall recruit in the nation last year, Lang
already had more experience playing at the highest levels of soccer
than most elite players will have over their entire careers.
Lang used that unique blend of ability, youth and big game
experience and translated it into a dominant freshman campaign,
leading UCLA to its third consecutive College Cup and an appearance
in the national championship game.
“We had such a great run, it just makes us so hungry for
next season,” Lang said. “We’re chomping at the
bit to get that national title.”
Her impact at UCLA was immediate as the freshman forward started
every match she played en route to recording 17 goals and five
assists. Her 40 total points ranked her second on the team.
“As the season wore on, Kara made a major impact on our
run to the national championship game,” UCLA assistant coach
Joe Mallia said. “We’re very excited about her
future.”
Her presence has already been extremely impressive. For her
efforts, Lang was named a Freshman All-American as well as
honorable mention All-American, but was curiously slighted by not
being named All-Pac-10.
Still, it was on the biggest stage that Lang truly shined.
During the Bruins’ run to the title game, Lang put on an
incredible show of talent and skill, leading the team in scoring.
Her eight goals and one assist during the NCAA tournament already
make her one of the top scorers in UCLA postseason history.
Lang spent this past spring training with her national team, and
will try later this year to help Canada qualify for the World Cup
before returning to UCLA in an attempt to win the program’s
first elusive NCAA championship.
“As a program, (winning a national title), that’s
the main goal,” Mallia said. “Kara plays a major role
in achieving that goal.”
And if this past fall was any indication, don’t count out
Lang leading UCLA to title 100.