VIDEO: Julie Nelson Mossy Creek Conversation
VIDEO: Lauren Wade Mossy Creek Conversation
SOUTHHAMPTON, England – Three former Carson-Newman women's soccer stars will be making their debut in the Women's Euros for the first time as a part of Northern Ireland's Women's National Team.
Julie Nelson (06), Lauren Wade (18) and Jackie Burns (19) will all be on the world stage when Northern Ireland makes its first ever appearance in a major tournament.
Nelson was an integral part of two Final Four soccer teams at Carson-Newman earning a pair of first-team All-South Atlantic Conference selections and the 2004 SAC Tournament MVP.
On Sept. 6, 2013, the Larne, Northern Ireland native earned her 100th career cap in a match versus Slovakia becoming the first woman to ever reach the century mark after only two men had achieved the tally. She is currently at 125 appearances and counting.
Wade is a two-time South Atlantic Conference Player of the Year and earned the league's overall female athlete of the year honors at the conclusion of her senior season. A two-time All-American, Wade, of Coleraine, Northern Ireland finished her Carson-Newman career with an abundance of records. She ranks first all-time in assists per game (.60), shots per game (6.20) and shots on goal per game (3.35).
Notably, she is third all-time in assists with 24 and goals with 38. She collected a point total of an even 100 in just two seasons. This year's 81 shots on goal and seven game-winning goals pen her name at the top for single-season records.
Wade has been suiting up for Glentoran F.C. in the Women's Premiership – winning a title with the club in 2021.
Burns was a three-time All-SAC selection and earned All-America honors at the conclusion of her junior season. She currently sits second all-time in the SAC in career shutouts with 30.4. She is also the all-time winningest goalkeeper in program history with 48 wins with another season left to go.
Burns has played for BK Häken in Sweden professionally.
They are three of eight Eagles who are playing professionally in Europe. The others are Helen Seed, Vaarin Ness, Catarina Realista, Christie Murray and Heida Ragney.
Northern Ireland starts play in the Euros Thursday at 3 p.m. against Norway.
