Athlete of the week: Abbey Schwarz, raising the bar for Nebraska soccer

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – The Nebraska women’s soccer team had a magical season in 2023, and senior forward Abbey Schwarz hopes to lead the Huskers to an even greater campaign in 2024.

Schwarz enters her senior season with an already loaded resume.

Big Ten Distinguished Scholar (2023, 2024), Academic All-Big Ten (2022, 2023), Big Ten Freshman of the Week (Oct. 26) and the Tom Osborne Citizenship Team (2022, 2023, 2024) are just a few awards to her name.

The Huskers kicked off preseason soccer last Monday.

Schwarz made her presence on the pitch known with two goals to help give Nebraska a 5-1 win over Kansas City.

“Finishing off some of those scrappier goals is one of my goals,” said Schwarz. “It was good, it was a good little confidence boost.”

The Huskers experienced a run unlike any in recent memory last season, winning the Big Ten regular season title and making it the Elite 8 in the NCAA Tournament.

“Last year was such a great year and I think one of the best things is that we were so present to the moment,” said Schwarz.

Looking ahead to this season, Nebraska comes into the year pre-ranked 6th in the nation.

“Seeing where we’re at now and setting our sights on Big Ten regular season, tournament championships, and national championships things like that,” said Schwarz. “There’s been a shift, I think, in just the perspective of not only on the individuals on the team but the team collectively.”

Nebraska finished with a 1-1 record in preseason games following a 1-0 loss to Oklahoma on Friday.

The Huskers kick off the year at Hibner Stadium versus Oklahoma State on Thursday, Aug. 15 at 7:05 p.m.