[UCF: Women] German Under-20 Women’s World Cup hero Lena Petermann has decided not to return to UCF for her sophomoreseason. She plans to return to Germany and sign with a yet-to-be-determined Frauen-Bundesliga team.
“It was a hard decision to make, because I liked being here at UCF, but Ifeel I need to take this opportunity,” Petermann said in a statement. “I will miss my teammates and my coaches, and I know they will continue to be successful.”
Petermann was a starter for Germany at the U-20 Women’s World Cup and scored three game-winners, including the lone goal in the title match against Nigeria.
UCF head coach
“We obviously are sadabout Lena leaving, but we also don’t want to hold her back from this opportunity,” Roberts Sahaydak said. “She has dreams of playing in the 2015 World Cup, and I understand whenplayers want to pursue that goal because I had those same dreams as a young player. From my experience with the U.S. national team and playing in the World Cup, it’s an experience unlike anyother. So we wish her well, and I am confident that our team will continue to stay focused as we work toward accomplishing our goals this season.”
Petermann was selected asthis year’s AAC Preseason Player of the Year.