Lineman opts for Akron
BUTLER TWP — Maci Lineman is getting into construction — on the soccer pitch, that is.
The Butler senior center -back is headed to the University of Akron this fall to continue her academic and soccer career.
“They're rebuilding the program there and I'm anxious to be a part of it,” Lineman said.
A four-year letterwinner who was part of four WPIAL playoff teams overall at Butler — including a section championship and appearance in the district title game this past season — Lineman also considered Youngstown State, West Virginia Wesleyan and Gannon before choosing Akron.
She plans to major in exercise science.
The Zips are coached by Noreen Herlihy, who won 250 games and two PSAC championships during a 20-year run as head women's soccer coach at Slippery Rock University.
“I've known Noreen for a long time and Maci is exactly the type of player she wants,” Butler girls soccer coach Steve Perri said. “She's aggressive and gritty.
“Those two are a perfect fit for each other. I think she can thrive in that program.”
Akron is coming off consecutive 8-10-2 seasons — with appearances in the Mid-American Conference quarterfinals — before the 2020 fall season was canceled. The Zips are currently 0-4-1 in an abbreviated spring schedule and have yet to score a goal.
“All I want to do is help the team any way I can,” Lineman said. “I've been playing soccer since I was 5. For a long time, I was hoping I'd be able to play in college.”
The Tornado were 46-21-3 in Lineman's high school career. She was named the team's Defensive Most Valuable Player and was a three-time All-WPIAL selection.
Lineman scored eight goals her junior year and four more this season. She missed part of her senior season with an ankle injury.
“She's a versatile player who can help a team offensively or defensively,” Perri said.
Lineman played club soccer at Northern Steel, which she helped lead to a State Cup title in 2017.
Akron's current roster includes three seniors and 13 freshmen or sophomores. Herlihy has led the team to the MAC Tournament three times, but is seeking her first winning season there.
Lineman is part of an eight-member recruiting class, including four defenders.
“They see the progress this program has been making and are eager to become a Zip and contribute to our exciting future,” Herlihy said in a prepared statement. “Each is committed to help us achieve our ambitions moving forward and we welcome them.”
