July 15, 2008

NORTH VANCOUVER, B.C. - Illinois senior defender Emily Zurrer earned a spot on the Canada Women's National Team roster for the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Zurrer becomes the first women's soccer player in school history to represent Illinois at the Olympics.

"What a great honor it is to be able to represent my country at the Olympic games," Zurrer said. "I have dreamed of competing in the Olympics ever since I was a young girl, and to have the opportunity to become an Olympic athlete this summer in Beijing really is a dream come true."

Zurrer has spent much of her summer traveling with the national team while also splitting time with the Vancouver Whitecaps of the W-League. The Vancouver, B.C., native played in all four of Canada's matches in the Peace Queen Cup last month and has earned a total of eight caps with the senior national team, six this summer and two in 2004. She also collected 18 caps with the U-20 team.

"I am thrilled and happy for Emily," Illinois head coach Janet Rayfield said. "What an incredible accomplishment and a testament to her talent, work ethic and persistence and to the environment here at Illinois. I know this staff, her teammates and the Illini soccer family are all very proud of this incredible accomplishment and will share the excitement as we watch the Olympics with this personal connection."

Canada's soccer team qualified for the Women's Olympic Football Tournament for the first time in Association history earlier this season after finishing second at the CONCACAF Women's Olympic Qualification Tournament in Juarez, Mexico. Canada will play Argentina, China and Sweden in the opening round of the tournament Aug. 6-12.