Marquette University junior Bryan Ciesiulka was the latest Golden Eagles men's soccer player to earn honors over the summer when the 5-foot-4 central midfielder was named to the USL Premier Development League's All-Central Conference Team as a member of the the Chicago Fire PDL.
Ciesiulka tallied four points on one goal and two assists while leading the Chicago Fire PDL in games (12) and minutes played (993). The Fire finished fourth in the Great Lakes Division and posted an overall record of 6-7-3.
- BIG EAST Player of the Year - Associated Press Second Team All-America - John R. Wooden Award All-America Team - All-BIG EAST First Team selection along with MU teammate Darius Johnson-Odom - Selected as one of 15 finalists for the 2012 John R. Wooden Award - NABC Coaches' All-American Third Team - Became the 44th player in the history of the program to reach 1,000 points (and only the fifth to do it in just two seasons) - Posted 17 points and 13 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament Third Round match up vs. Murray State for his 14th double-double of the season, including fifth consecutive - Crowder's 88 steals on the season is the third-best single-season mark in program history, one steal shy of tying the MU single-season record.
- AVCA All-America Honorable Mention
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AVCA All-Northeast Region
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All-BIG EAST First Team
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Eleventh player in MU history to reach the 1,000-kill plateau
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Tied with Martha Meyer for sixth on MU's all-time kills list with 1,140 in her career
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Tied for ninth all-time at MU in hitting percentage (.234; 1,140-464-2,885)
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Led Marquette to first NCAA tournament victory over Western Kentucky (Dec. 2) with 17 kills and a hitting percentage of .273
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Landed 18 of her 23 attacks for kills as she hit .739 against Notre Dame (Nov. 11) for the Golden Eagles first sweep in series history
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Earned BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll (Nov. 15) mention for her play against ND and DePaul
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Became the 11th player in Marquette history with 1,000 kills when she landed her fourth against Rutgers on Oct. 23
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Named to the BIG EAST Honor Roll after helping MU to 3-0 sweeps of Georgetown (Oct. 7) and Villanova (Oct. 9)
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Recorded a career-high 24 kills in 3-2 loss to No. 9 Minnesota (Sept. 18), in which MU held a 2-1 advantage entering the fourth set
- BIG EAST Scholar Athlete of the Year
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BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Year
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First Team All-BIG EAST
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Capital One Academic All-America Second Team
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Lowes Senior CLASS Award Finalist
- NSCAA All-Northeast Region Second Team
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NSCAA Scholar All-America Second Team
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Led the BIG EAST with 11 shutouts, including seven in BIG EAST play
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Posted a BIG EAST-best goals against average in conference games (0.63) and in overall games (0.79)
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Stopped a season-high five shots at West Virginia
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Named the BIG EAST Goalkeeper of the Week Aug. 22 following shutouts over Western Michigan and Northwestern
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Named to the MKE Cup All-Tournament Team
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Named to the BIG EAST Weekly Honor Roll (Sept. 26) following wins over DePaul and Notre Dame.
- Named 2011 BIG EAST Conference Midfielder of the Year and was an All-BIG EAST First Team selection
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2011 Second Team All-America (College Soccer News)
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Received Marquette's men's soccer Most Valuable Player honors
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Candidate for Soccer News Net College Boot 2011 Men's Soccer Player of the Year
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Drafted No. 20 overall (first selection of 2nd Rd.) by the Montreal Impact, becoming the first-ever MU player to be selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft
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Began the season as the No. 31-ranked pro prospect among college seniors, according to Joe Mauceri of TopDrawerSoccer.com, and the No. 13-ranked midfielder
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Scored two goals in the annual Blue vs. Gold preseason match, including the equalizer with 14 seconds from full time to force a 2-2 draw
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Played for the Chicago Fire PDL squad during the summer along with MU teammate Bryan Ciesiulka
Marquette Mailbag is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
Director of Athletics Larry Williams was our guest for the latest edition of "Marquette Mailbag," answering your questions on his first year on the job, new lacrosse programs, the Carrier Classic and more...
Q: "So far, what has been your greatest challenge as AD? What do you think your greatest obstacle will be as AD over the next 12 months?
Go Marquette!" - Colin, Chicago, IL
A: I don't know if it's my greatest challenge, but one that has been is trying to not eat lunch every day at Real Chili or Sobelman's. Willpower is the only thing preventing me from returning to my playing weight. Of course I am kidding, but there are significant challenges inherent in providing high-level D1 sports opportunities out of the Old Gym. Marquette Athletics is absolutely capable of being the gold standard D1 athletic program without football- one that competes regularly for national championships in basketball and among the elite in all the varsity sports we offer. Finding a quality home like the Al for our non-basketball and volleyball programs will be a key challenge.
Q: In the wake of the Penn State scandal, how does a school administration maintain a balance between an ethical commitment to the public and the desire for a successful athletic program? - Loren Farr, Milwaukee
A: What happened at Penn State shook the foundation of college athletics, and rightfully so. The hope is that all schools can collectively emerge from those tragic events with greater perspective and clearer purpose. Marquette is a values-based institution. We know that every aspect of this institution must be operated with the utmost integrity. That is especially true in my department, where we must maintain the proper balance between academics and athletics. That starts at the top and is essential to ensure institutional control. Our president, Father Pilarz, is someone I very much respect and admire. His vision and connection with our students is truly remarkable. He and I agree that our common goal is driving our athletic program forward in a positive way.
Q: Hey Mr. Williams! We all hope it has been a smooth transition for you to Marquette and for you to be feeling right at home in our community. Speaking of transitions, with what seems to be a successful addition of D1 men's and women's lacrosse, do you see Marquette adding any other D1 sports in the future? - Marcus, Hartford, WI
A: Thanks Marcus for the kind words. I love Milwaukee and live with my family in the downtown area.
As for lacrosse, you may know it's the fastest growing sport on the NCAA level over the past decade and it will be very exciting to see the Blue and Gold compete for the first time. It's such a fast-paced dynamic game and I think our great fans will respond, especially with us having the opportunity to compete in the BIG EAST against programs with rich histories in the sport. Aside from the impact on the field, the addition of new athletic programs also positively impacts our enrollment and development efforts. I will constantly be evaluating where we are from an athletic standpoint and be progressive in our approach when it comes to assessing any potential expansion of our programs. Our overriding goal is to field nationally competitive programs across the board without diluting that Marquette standard of excellence.
Q: Will MU be playing any BIG EAST teams this year in lacrosse? If so, can you say which schools at this time? Finally, when will the schedule be announced? Thank you. - Tim,
Cape Cod, MA
A: What an exciting opportunity it is that we get to play BIG EAST lacrosse. The schedules for next spring won't be finalized until later this fall, but we know the women will play a full BIG EAST slate and the men will play a good number of BIG EAST teams plus they will host a nationally recognized program at Valley Fields.
Q: What's your relationship like with men's basketball coach Buzz Williams? - James Anderson, Minneapolis, Minnesota
A: Coach Williams is a good man and a great coach. We've spent some time together this summer and have gotten to know each other more, especially when tracking down a few hooks and slices into the woods when we played golf together a few weeks back. What's clear to me is that he's a competitor and a winner. We share a lot in common and are completely on the same page in terms of staying focused on the rich history and core values that underpin this very unique program - among the elite in the nation. It promises to be another championship caliber season with the bar always set at the national championship aspiration level.
Q: What is the best way to obtain tickets to the carrier classic? My father is a 23 year army veteran and I would love to take him for Veterans Day. - Cody Moreland,
Kenosha, WI
A: If you are in the Cabinet of the President of the United States of America, I would guess you have a pretty good shot at getting tickets to the Carrier Classic. Tickets to this event are extremely limited. I believe the ship will hold about 4,000 fans, and Marquette will be allocated a small number of those - like the post season, but fewer. I also believe that the organizer will make a small number of tickets available to local military families and may make some available for public sale. Continue to check our website for the latest information. And most importantly, please thank your father from all of us in Marquette Athletics for his lifetime of service protecting our great country!
Q: What is your viewpoint on coach hero worship that seems to dominate some college fans and programs? We saw what happened at Penn State when administrators and fans looked away at what was happening with a revered coach. As an AD, how do you protect the institution when a coach can become so popular to some that he is given free reign to do what they want, even if that isn't in the best interest of the institution? - Jim, Pacific
A: I can't imagine that there is anyone in the country who isn't deeply saddened by the Penn State situation, first and foremost for the victims of this terrible crime, and secondly for everyone associated with the program, PSU, and in fact, all of college athletics. This is the clearest and most cautionary tale of why it is so important to maintain integrity above all else.
Q: Do you agree with Al McGuire when he said: "A Notre Dame grad will pick his nose to make sure you see his class ring"? - Greg, Denver, CO
A: What a great quote! I've never heard that before. You have to love Coach McGuire, and you can just hear his New York accent when he said that. You obviously know I'm a Notre Dame grad. I loved my time there and am proud I went to school there. But I'm Marquette's A.D. now. I have learned about the legacy and many traditions of Marquette and have the utmost respect for not just the athletic program, but the entire institution. One of my sons even attends graduate school here. So there should be no doubt about my commitment and loyalty to Marquette. I'll be right there cheering for Marquette when we kick Notre Dame's butt this fall on the court. And for the record - I always try to use a handkerchief.
Fan's Choice Awards is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
If you are reading this right now, you already know: Marquette fans are arguably the most social media-savvy in all of college athletics. To celebrate, and to say thank you, for this great support, every week we will feature our "Social Media Fan of the Week."
To nominate yourself or another person for the prestigious honor of "Social Media Fan of the Week," simply Tweet @muathletics with the hashtag: #MUSocial, or post to our Facebook timeline, a short note about yourself and why you love Marquette. Of course, photos and videos are encouraged, as we'd love to be able to share them here on the blog.
Thanks again for your tremendous support, and for sharing your love for all-things Marquette through social media.
Former Golden Eagle and Marquette graduate Nathan Colson finished fourth at the U.S. Amateur qualifier held at Oconomowoc Golf Club on Monday, July 23, and is currently an alternate for the U.S. Amateur Championship, Aug. 13-19, at famed Cherry Hills Country Club located outside Denver.
This summer marks the 112th annual Championship. Mike Van Sickle was the last MU golfer to earn a spot in the event. Van Sickle advanced to the round of 16 in the match play portion of the 109th U.S. Amateur played at Southern Hills Country Club in Tulsa, Okla., back in 2009, when he finished higher than current PGA Tour professionals Bud Cauley, Cameron Tringale and Rickie Fowler.
Redshirt freshman Axel Sjoberg of the Marquette men's soccer team took home Best Defender honors at the Thunder Bay Chill awards dinner last week. The 6-foot-7 Swedish stopper helped the Chill post a 13-2-1 record in USL Premier Development League action and capture the squad's fifth Heartland Division trophy in the past six years.
Thunder Bay allowed just 10 goals on the season, which ended with a 1-0 loss to FC London in the PDL playoffs on July 21. It was the lowest amount of goals allowed in the 73-team league.
Sjoberg played in 15 matches with two goals and an assist and was one of the team leaders in minutes played. This was the central defender's first season with the Chill, alongside MU teammates Paul Dillon and Sebastian Jansson.
Head Coach Markus Roeders led Marquette to its 16th consecutive winning season and a program-best ranking of No. 5 (NSCAA) for two weeks (Oct. 17 and Oct. 25) en route to a 10-1-0 conference record and a share of its third-straight BIG EAST American Division title. The championship is the seventh in Marquette history and the Golden Eagles now boast a 28-3-2 record in BIG EAST play since 2009.
With a 1-0 defeat of Pittsburgh on October 29, Marquette clinched its first ever BIG EAST Blue Division championship in men's soccer. Calum Mallace scored the match's only goal in the 59th minute, as he led his team to victory on senior night. It marked MU's third NCAA Division I regular season conference title, and first since 2002 (Conference USA).
The Golden Eagles had a record-setting season, finishing the 2011 campaign with a 24-11 mark and earned an at-large selection to the NCAA Women's Volleyball Championship for the first time in program history. MU defeated Western Kentucky in the opening round, before falling to eventual national runner-up, Illinois, in the second round.
The 2011-12 men's basketball season, which began with a championship at the Paradise Jam, and continued with a second place finish in the BIG EAST and a seventh consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance, culminated with a thrilling victory over Murray State to return to the Sweet 16for the first time since 1977.
Marquette Mailbag is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
The legendary Marquette sharpshooter turned New York sensation, Steve Novak, is today's guest for "Marquette Mailbag." Thanks to everyone who submitted a question; Steve's responses are below.
Q: Steve, can you tell us about your connection with the Loeys Dietz Syndrome Foundation? I hear you are doing a golf outing in July in Grafton and would like more information. - Charlie, Shorewood, Wis.
A: Loeys Dietz Syndrome was introduced to me when I met a young girl named Maureen Jurgens during my sophomore year in college. She was wearing my jersey because she said it have her strength during her toughest moments. I knew I had to meet her and when I did I fell in love with her whole outlook on life. She is one of the toughest and most optimistic people I know. This year my family along with the Jurgens family is hosting a golf outing to raise money for research. It is our goal to find a cure for the Loeys Dietz Syndrome as well as spread awareness around the world. To get more information and to sign up to golf July 20th Go to loeysdietz.org
Q: What did Marquette basketball do for you that no other university could? - Nathan, Chesterfield, Mo.
A: Marquette University offered me the opportunity to not only play basketball for one of the top teams in the country, but also to get an education that will last me a lifetime. The people I have met throughout my years at Marquette are also something that I believe has set MU apart. The University's network is far reaching and was a huge asset once I graduated.
Q: Steve, what lies ahead for you? Back with the Knicks? Some new address? We (my alum hubby) and I enjoyed seeing you with the Knicks (my hubby's home town team). We will be rooting for you. - Sarah Y., Sioux Falls, S.D.
A: I will be returning to the Knicks next season! I am very happy that I'm able to return to the Garden next year. It is an incredible place to play and living there is awesome.
Q: Sure Shot, how did the rush/excitement of your Notre Dame game (I was there) compare to some of the big 3's you hit late in those massively popular games late this past season? I saw how rockin MSG was, but the BC was pretty insane when you hit that corner 3 to win. Congrats on a great season. Great to hear about the Bird ruling. You deserve it. - Jason B., Elm Grove, Wis.
A: There really is no bigger rush than hitting a big shot. It's hard to say if there is one that is more exciting than another, but there is no doubt when it is a game winner, that it doesn't get much better! I would say though that my most memorable shot in college was the game winner against Notre Dame.
Q: Hi Steve. First of all, I wish you hearty congratulations on all your success. I'm inspired by your work ethic and your commitment to realizing your passion and dreams. Now that you've been in the NBA for a number of seasons, and have played for several teams ... what has been the most rewarding part of your time as a professional basketball player? Thanks for your time! Every best wish. - Marc M., Mequon, Wis
A: I would have to say that the most rewarding part is being able to say that I am truly living my dream. There is nothing I would rather be doing than playing basketball. I am very blessed to have been able to achieve many of the things I dreamed of doing when I was just a young kid.
Marquette men's soccer player C. Nortey with family in Accra, Ghana (June 2012).
Marquette sophomore C. Nortey, who originally came to the United States at age 15 as part of the Right to Dream soccer academy, returned to his home country of Ghana earlier this summer.
While the Golden Eagles' top goal scorer certainly enjoyed precious time with family and friends, Nortey also took timeout to share his passion for people and the game of soccer by giving back to the community where he was raised.
You can read all about the amazing experience in his Wordpress blog, "onelovecicinho."
Nortey notes how much the city and the culture in his hometown of Accra has changed since the last time he was in Africa nearly four years ago, and also recounts volunteering his time at schools and youth centers, in addition to soccer clubs like Mandela FC (where he says he began his 'football' career), and at the Let Us Shine Girls Academy (see below to watch the YouTube video that Nortey produced).
Marquette Mailbag is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
Marquette Volleyball Head Coach Bond Shymansky joined us for "Marquette Mailbag" this week, answering your questions on last year's NCAA Tournament run and the outlook for the 2012 season.
Q: Congratulations
on a great 2011 season! Does this year's
team have the talent to make a run for an NCAA bid? - R. Hide, North Lake
A: We have plenty of returning talent in our
starting lineup, and we are adding some new players that have skill and
athleticism. I look for big contribution
from our four senior starters, and our returning back row players. They have
been working hard this offseason to refine their skills, and remain in top
physical condition. Our goal and focus
now become the Sweet Sixteen and beyond.
Each year we have gone a little further, and tasted a little more
success. This year's team will peak at
the right time... tournament time.
Q: What type of
experience was it for last year's squad to make the program's first NCAA
Tournament appearance? - Jim, Wauwatosa
A: Every single moment of that experience was
charged with energy and excitement. It was a non-stop adrenaline rush and I
thought our team handled it very well, and harnessed that energy as
competitors. The best part is that they are hungry for more. They understand what it takes, and what they
have to do to go further in the NCAA tournament. I am tremendously proud of how far we have
come, but we will be relentless in our pursuit of higher achievement.
Q: Losing 2 of
your most proficient offensive players from last season is tough. Of the newcomers to the team, who do you
think will be the most likely to come in and help fill the loss of Jones and
Beyer? - Rob, Milwaukee
A: Replacing two All-BIG EAST outside hitters
in no small task. Lindsey Gosh is a
sophomore outside who showed improvement and progress this past spring
season. She has the dynamic capability
to be a terminator for us this season.
We will also have three other players battling for an outside hitter
spot. Erin Lehman is a freshman, Casey
Read a returning junior, and Eva-Lotta Raat is the unknown freshman from
Estonia. We are confident that two
starters will emerge and help us win a BIG EAST title.
Q: What does a
"libero" do and what's the history behind the position? - Allen, Harbor Springs, MI
A: The "libero" is a player relegated to the
back row only. She cannot hit or block
in the front row. The position was
adopted by the college game about eight years ago, and it has increased the
ability to have long rallies. The
"libero" position has allowed the smaller athlete a bigger role in the game of
volleyball. She is always in the back
row, and is usually the best serve receive passer and digger. We are lucky to have a libero like Julie
Jeziorowski on our squad!
Q: Considering
the departure of Chelsea Heier for Santa Clara University, how does it affect
the development of the other players on the team to have to get used to a brand
new setter for the second straight season? Can we expect to see both Mary
Nilles and Elizabeth Koberstein on the court this season? - Anonymous Eagle, Parts Unknown
A: Chelsea heading back to her home state of
California was an understandable decision, and she has chosen another fantastic
Jesuit institution. The setter is like the quarterback, so timing and feel are
important to have an offense like ours run smoothly. I'm sure there will be some kinks to iron out,
but I am confident that we have two great choices in Nilles and Koberstein. We
may play both setters during the course of the season, but it is more likely
that one will emerge as the starter. I
prefer not to have a carousel of setters, but I know those two will battle for
the spot all season long.
Q: What's the
biggest challenge you have had to overcome in order to be a D-I Head Coach?
What advice would you give someone who wants to coach volleyball at this level? - James, Spartanburg, S.C.
A: The biggest challenge I will actually NEVER
overcome, and that's learning how to connect and develop trust with each
individual player. I am always growing
and changing, and the players are too.
Just when I think I have something figured out, new players join the
program with new personalities and temperaments. That challenge also has the
best rewards, and is what makes coaching fun.
If your goal is to be a D-1 coach, the best thing you can do is earn
your degree, and then get involved with a D-1 program as a volunteer
coach. That experience will give you a
real taste for what it's all about, and a chance to network in our coaching
community. Good luck with your coaching career!
Q: You have
overseen a quick transformation in Marquette's success recently. What do you
think has been the reason for that? - Ben, Libertyville, Ill.
A: The biggest reason for our turnaround is
Marquette itself. This is a great
university with amazing people.
Everything and everybody surrounding our program helps breed success. We have student-athletes on our team who
recognize and appreciate the opportunities they have here at Marquette
University. It is evident when I see our
team GPA, our campus community involvement, and our success on the court.
Q: I have been
to the Al McGuire Center for plenty of basketball games and am thinking of
coming out for a few volleyball matches this year. How does the facility to
compare to others around the country for volleyball? - Kate,
Stevens Point
A: The Al is clearly one of the best
volleyball venues in the nation. There
may be a few volleyball arenas as nice, but nobody has one better than the
Al. The building is beautiful, the court
is first-class, and it is always a big-time college sporting event. Students can have a big impact on our
opponent by being loud and crazy, and families love the atmosphere and
value. The Al McGuire Center is a major
draw for recruiting, and a huge home court advantage.
"Throwback Thursday" is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
The image below is a game story and box score from the The Marquette Tribune of Marquette University's first men's basketball game on Jan. 13, 1916, a 35-26 win over Whitewater Normal (now UW-Whitewater).
Fan's Choice Awards is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
If you are reading this right now, you already know: Marquette fans are arguably the most social media-savvy in all of college athletics. To celebrate, and to say thank you, for this great support, every week we will feature our "Social Media Fan of the Week."
-- Lowruh Mawderhawk (@LauraDeLaMancha) July 11, 2012
To nominate yourself or another person for the prestigious honor of "Social Media Fan of the Week," simply Tweet @muathletics with the hashtag: #MUSocial, or post to our Facebook timeline, a short note about yourself and why you love Marquette. Of course, photos and videos are encouraged, as we'd love to be able to share them here on the blog.
Thanks again for your tremendous support, and for sharing your love for all-things Marquette through social media.
"Throwback Thursday" is a weekly feature in the GoMarquette.com Social Summer Series
This week's edition of GoMarquette.com's Throwback Thursday features a 1911 T-51 trading card of Marquette University and the track and field program, produced by Murad Cigarettes, S. Anargyros Corp.
This card, produced in New York, was among 150 United States colleges and universities featured over six years that the set was released. Marquette was featured in the fourth set.
Just as many early trading cards came with bubble gum, the earliest version were produced by tobacco companies looking to move their product. Each T51 card measures approximately 2-1/16 inches by 2-11/16 inches.
With a 1-0 defeat of Pittsburgh on October 29, Marquette clinched its first ever BIG EAST Blue Division championship in men's soccer. Calum Mallace scored the match's only goal in the 59th minute, as he led his team to victory on senior night. It marked MU's third NCAA Division I regular season conference title, and first since 2002 (Conference USA).
December 2, 2011 Volleyball Victorious in First NCAA Tournament Appearance Game Recap | Photo Gallery
Playing in their first NCAA Championship match, the Golden Eagles picked up their first tournament victory and knocked off their first ranked opponent in program history, No. 24 Western Kentucky University, 25-21, 22-25, 26-24, 25-23.
December 6, 2011 Jae Crowder Sinks Washington Game Recap
Trailing by one with less than 10 seconds left at Madison Square Garden, Vander Blue found Jae Crowder open in the corner, who coolly drained a game-winning three-pointer to top Washington, 79-77.
January 10, 2012 Katie Young Beats the Buzzer to top Villanova Game Recap | Video
Down by 2 with time expiring, Katie Young heaved a 40-footer that found the bottom of the net with time expiring, and Marquette pulled out an improbable 51-50 comeback victory over Villanova. The shot was later featured as ESPN's "Top Play" on Sportscenter that evening.
"On The Record" is the official blog of Marquette Athletics, maintained by the department's media relations staff. The blog will be the exclusive home for behind-the-scenes access to each of the University's 14 NCAA Division I programs, including daily updates, videos, photos, podcasts and much more.
Social Media Fan of the Week: July 25, 2012
Social Media Fan of the Week: July 11, 2012
