From Swedish street dancing to tormenting goal keepers, Miami University's Sara Lund is making a name for herself on and off the soccer field.

At age 11, Lund ditched her dancing shoes for soccer cleats and immediately fell in love with the game.

"Once I started, I didn't want to stop," Lund said. "Basically I just played on a club team in my home town, Malmö, but Sweden didn't have high school or university sports."

Her skills didn't go unnoticed. As she grew older, several American colleges recruited her as well as some of her teammates. But Lund decided she wasn't ready right after high school.

"I wanted the opportunity to play soccer here (in America) and also get the life experience," Lund said. "Coach Kramig wanted to see me play, and I feel liked he showed a great interest in me."

Just a year later RedHawk soccer Coach Bobby Kramig was on his way to Sweden, and it wasn't to visit the original IKEA.

"We watched Sara train and we watched her play," Kramig said. "She was very impressive. Sara is the total package. She's athletic, she's skillful, she's a sophisticated player, and she has a very clear understanding of the game. She brings all of the qualities that we are looking for on the field: a competitive mindset and great athleticism. You see somebody like that and you just want them."

Lund had never been to America, and before she knew it, she was riding on the rigid cobblestone of the historic Oxford campus.

"The school, the campus and the people are my favorite part about Miami," Lund said. "My fear coming here was not knowing anyone and English not being my first language. I was afraid the people would think I was weird and I was a little nervous about that."

Although getting comfortable and making friends would take some time, one thing remained the same.

Lund shot out of the gates and into the net in her first year as a RedHawk. As a freshman she led the team in goals, was second in assists and was named First-Team All-MAC. She also took the honor as the conference's top freshman.

"My size is my best physical trait," Lund said. "I'm pretty strong physically, but I'm very competitive. I do not like to lose and I never give up. That is why I always work hard."

Her hard work prevailed when she led the Red and White in goals for a consecutive season. As a sophomore she reclaimed her spot on the First Team All-MAC.

Kramig said Lund will be utilized this season as both a forward and midfielder.

"Sara for us is an attacking player," Kramig said. "We want the ball at her feet and we want her to have the ball in a position where she can run at opposing defenses. That's where she's most effective."

Kramig is sharpening his weapons before his talented squad (1-1) heads to Eastern Illinois Sunday, Sept. 6. With that much practice time, Kramig is drilling his team to "focus on themselves."