Transfer complements soccer team with strong defense

Junior Whitney Butler seems to be enjoying her change of scenery this fall. \nButler, a transfer student from the University of Connecticut, is the new sweeper for the women's soccer team and is taking her new role in stride.\n"IU has a great environment, and we have a great staff and a wonderful group of girls," Butler said. \nButler, originally from Fort Wayne, has had soccer in her life as long as she can remember, playing since she was 5.\n"I started playing with my brother when we were young," she said. "He was very good, so I kind of looked up to him, wanting to follow in his footsteps. I love to practice and to play the game." \nButler's love for the game pushed her from playing with her brother to a competitive drive that landed her on a boys club team at 13. While playing competitively, Butler tried out for the Olympic development team, where she made it to the Midwest Regional team.\n"We would travel to Indy two to three times a week for tournaments, and for the Midwest Olympic team, we would play around three tournaments a year against the east, west and south regional teams," she said. "We even made a trip to Europe and played against other national teams."\nButler credits the Olympic Development Program as a boost to her soccer career.\n"That program helped me most as a player," she said. "I don't think I would be playing today if I hadn't been in that program. I missed a few holidays for tournaments, but I have no regrets. None at all."\nOut of high school, Butler searched for the right school that could further her soccer career. She decided to go to UConn, but after a few years of play she began to re-think her decision.\n"I wasn't confident in myself and my play while I was there," Butler said. "I was intimidated there and I could've played better than what I did."\nAfter her freshman year at UConn, Butler decided it was time for a change; that meant a transfer. She visited four schools, but IU was the only school she seriously considered. \n"I wanted a school I would enjoy academically," Butler said. "I also wanted more from my soccer career. I wanted a second chance."\nButler received that second chance when she joined the Hoosiers last spring, taking part in team practices and pre-season matches. So far the change has "clicked" with Butler and her teammates.\n"The whole backfield seems to have clicked," Butler said. "We have some good things going."\nButler is paired in the backfield with seniors Jena Kluska and Kendal Willis, along with senior goalkeeper Chrissy Heubi. Butler complements a defense that only allowed 22 goals in 19 contests.\n"We're playing a possession game," Kluska said. "Whitney complements that really well." \nKluska also mentioned the change came to Butler naturally.\n"Whitney didn't need much help; she fell right into her position, and it's perfect for her."\nCoach Joe Kelley said he believes Butler will be beneficial to the entire team, as well as the back field.\n"Whitney is overall a very good soccer player," Kelley said. "She is intelligent and reads the game very well. She is a very talented athlete who possesses speed and quickness. Whitney is physically tough. She is also a natural leader."\nButler said she hopes the passion and competitive edge she has demonstrated will lead her new team to the same high goals she has always held for herself.\n"I set my goals as high as I possibly can, realistic or not," Butler said. "I want to win it all. I want it for the team"