Goalie Emma Soderberg returning to UMD women’s hockey for 5th year
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University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD) women’s hockey goalie Emma Soderberg announced on Thursday that she is returning to the Bulldogs’ program for her fifth season.
"I’ve always been set on four years of college and then I’m going home," Soderberg said. That was the case for the Sweden native until the NCAA granted an extra year of eligibility following the pandemic.
"It was not until after the season when I went home and talked to my family, and they were supporting me to stay, that’s when I felt like I could make the decision," shared Soderberg. "Then it was a pretty easy one to make."
This past season Soderberg backstopped UMD to a NCAA title runner-up finish with a .925 save percentage.
Weighing offers in the professional Swedish Hockey League, the 2022 Olympian found the Bulldogs to be the best fit for her career next season.
UMD's Emma Soderberg (30) stands in net during the 2022 NCAA quarterfinals against Harvard at Ridder Arena.[WDIO/Alicia Tipcke]
However following the news of her return fellow UMD goalie, sophomore, Jojo Chobak chose to enter the transfer portal.
"Our ideal situation was going to be to have both of them split time, and [Soderberg] was good with that and JoJo wanted more," head coach Maura Crowell explained. "She has the right to go in the portal and see what she can find, and that’s kind of how these things go right now in college sports."