Why Freeport’s Cecelia Schlegel committed to Iowa women’s soccer program early in recruiting cycle
One of the centerpieces of Freeport girls soccer’s first WPIAL Class 2A championship roster has found a college home.
Junior Cecelia Schlegel will join the Iowa women’s soccer program in the fall of 2028, becoming one of the earliest college commitments from Butler County in her class.
“I am so incredibly excited and blessed to announce my verbal commitment to play division 1 soccer and continue my academic career at the University of Iowa! Thank you to everyone who has supported me along this journey,” she said in a social media post Aug. 23 announcing the commitment.
Schlegel said Sunday she chose the Hawkeyes over Miami (Ohio), Pitt and Virginia. She said she had scholarship offers from Iowa and Miami (Ohio) and was about to receive more from the Panthers and Cavaliers before making her choice.
She said she had concerns about the distance to Iowa City, Iowa, from home but “When I went on my visit, I loved it there.” She made contact with head coach Dean Ward’s staff June 15, the first date Class of 2028 athletes can do so, and went on a visit in mid-August.
“They play a more controlled game,” Schlegel said of what drew her to the Hawkeyes’ style of play. “(My strength on defense is) my ability to see the field and how I can help.”
She added she decided to commit early in her recruiting cycle because: “I think this year with all the commitments, everyone’s committing early.”
Iowa made the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 for the first time in 2024. It went 12-5-4 last season and advanced to the Big Ten Tournament quarterfinals. It won the Big Ten championship for a second time in 2023.
Schlegel, who earned Butler Eagle honorable mention in 2025, plays midfield for the Yellowjackets, who have to replace a couple key pieces from last year’s championship squad, including graduated goalie Alyssa Alcorn and standout forward Camryn Woods, who tore her ACL in the spring. Schlegel is a defender for a Century United Girls Academy club team
“Everyone who’s helped me (in my career), I’m really thankful,” she said.
Schlegel recorded a goal and assist in Saturday’s 4-2 win over Butler. She had two more goals and an assist the game before against Hampton.
