April 16, 2013
TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University head soccer coach Kevin Boyd today announced that Mackenzie Semerad has transferred to ASU to study and play soccer.
A 5-7 forward/midfielder, Semerad will be transferring to ASU from East Carolina where she played one season. As a freshman in 2011, Semerad played in 15 games with two starting assignments. She would account for four points on the season (one goal, two assists). Her goal was a game-winner against Davidson. She would redshirt in 2012.
"Mackenzie is local player who I felt got away from us and I'm thrilled that she's coming back home. We recruited her and it came down to us and East Carolina and she ended up going out there because she wanted to try something different," said ASU head coach Kevin Boyd. "She's an attacking player, who can play attacking center-mid or forward. She is a technical, smart and physical player, who has a great work ethic. She struggled with injuries while she was at ECU, which limited what she was able to do there, but she feels good now and we're all excited about her future as member of our team."
Originally a Valley native, Semerad was a four-year varsity starter for Desert Vista High School where she was a two-time first-team all-state selection (2009-10) and a three-time all-region selection (2008-10). Semerad, who helped Desert Vista to a state runner-up finish and two state semifinal appearances, was named Region Player of the Year and Desert Vista's Female Athlete of the Year as a senior.
Semerad also played for the AZ Sting Futbol Club where she was a member of the 2007 Surf Cup and 2010 ECNL Red Bull championship teams. Named the Sting's Player of the Year in 2009, Semerad helped the Sting to five appearances in the state finals. In addition, Semerad was a two-year member of the Arizona ODP team and qualified for the Region IV ODP pool.
Semerad will be joining a Sun Devil program which has qualified for NCAA Tournament play three times in the last four seasons. In 2013, ASU will return eight players who started 14 or more games last season. Included among the returners are three of the team's top four scorers from last season: forwards Cali Farquharson, Devin Marshall and Holland Crook, and defender Jasmine Roth, who has started 57 games over the last three seasons.
The Sun Devils just concluded the competitive portion of their spring schedule with a perfect 9-0 record. They officially close out spring play this Saturday (1 p.m.) when they host their annual Alumni Game at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium.