Photo by: Jennifer Stewart
Bloznalis Returns to Women’s Soccer Program as Assistant Coach
March 8, 2024 | Women's Soccer
BOSTON – Following a standout collegiate career that translated to success at the professional level, Boston University women's soccer alumna Rachel Bloznalis (SAR'17) has joined the program as an assistant coach ahead of the 2024 season, Head Coach Casey Brown announced on Friday morning.
"We are very excited to have Rachel join our staff," remarked Brown. "She is a terrific addition for the program and perfectly epitomizes everything BU women's soccer represents. Rachel found incredible success as a student-athlete here, and has always been a natural leader and teacher. Her professional playing experiences and knowledge of the game is a great fit. I know she is excited to be back on Nickerson Field and get to work!"
Bloznalis has been serving in a volunteer assistant role with the program since January. During that time, she was also an assistant coach with the New England Futbol Club.
The Upton, Mass. native returned to the United States after playing four years of professional soccer in Sweden. She suited up for Djurgårdens IF in Stockholm for two seasons, becoming a co-captain for the 2021 campaign. Prior, she was the 2019 co-captain and MVP for Umeå IK, joining the program in 2018.
"I am thrilled to be back home on Nickerson Field with the arched Boston across my chest!" said Bloznalis. "This program has played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today, and I'm honored to be part of that journey for our student-athletes. Casey has also been a role model for me since she coached me at BU, so I am thankful and excited to have the opportunity to coach with her."
Boston University Athletics' Woman of the Year in 2018, Bloznalis was a three-time Patriot League champion, garnering two Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and three First Team All-Patriot League honors. Appearing in 81 matches from 2013-17, Bloznalis was a two-time United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and All-Region First Team selection. The defender played a role in 31 shutouts during her tenure, culminating in a MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List appearance in her final season in 2017.
Following her Terrier tenure, Bloznalis was selected to compete for the United States U23 Women's National Team in 2018. In September of that year, she helped the team capture a first-place result at the Women's U23 Nordic Tournament, posting wins over Sweden and Norway.
Bloznalis received her undergraduate degree in Health Science from Sargent College at BU in the spring of 2017.
"We are very excited to have Rachel join our staff," remarked Brown. "She is a terrific addition for the program and perfectly epitomizes everything BU women's soccer represents. Rachel found incredible success as a student-athlete here, and has always been a natural leader and teacher. Her professional playing experiences and knowledge of the game is a great fit. I know she is excited to be back on Nickerson Field and get to work!"
Bloznalis has been serving in a volunteer assistant role with the program since January. During that time, she was also an assistant coach with the New England Futbol Club.
The Upton, Mass. native returned to the United States after playing four years of professional soccer in Sweden. She suited up for Djurgårdens IF in Stockholm for two seasons, becoming a co-captain for the 2021 campaign. Prior, she was the 2019 co-captain and MVP for Umeå IK, joining the program in 2018.
"I am thrilled to be back home on Nickerson Field with the arched Boston across my chest!" said Bloznalis. "This program has played a huge role in shaping me into the person I am today, and I'm honored to be part of that journey for our student-athletes. Casey has also been a role model for me since she coached me at BU, so I am thankful and excited to have the opportunity to coach with her."
Boston University Athletics' Woman of the Year in 2018, Bloznalis was a three-time Patriot League champion, garnering two Patriot League Defensive Player of the Year and three First Team All-Patriot League honors. Appearing in 81 matches from 2013-17, Bloznalis was a two-time United Soccer Coaches Scholar All-American and All-Region First Team selection. The defender played a role in 31 shutouts during her tenure, culminating in a MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List appearance in her final season in 2017.
Following her Terrier tenure, Bloznalis was selected to compete for the United States U23 Women's National Team in 2018. In September of that year, she helped the team capture a first-place result at the Women's U23 Nordic Tournament, posting wins over Sweden and Norway.
Bloznalis received her undergraduate degree in Health Science from Sargent College at BU in the spring of 2017.
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