North senior picks Blugolds over UW-Stevens Point because of program, criminal justice

NORTH’S MAGGIE MUELLER shows her letter of intent to play soccer at UW-Eau Claire with parents Ellen and Phil. – Submitted photo

When Sheboygan North soccer player Maggie Mueller narrowed her college choice down to two, UW-Eau Claire had a big advantage over UW-Stevens Point.

The senior’s decision came down to academics because she wants to be a police officer and hopefully an investigator after he soccer career is done.

“Most schools in Wisconsin only provide criminal justice as a minor,” Mueller said. “But at Eau Claire, they offer it as a major. So I wouldn’t have to find a different major, I could just major in criminal justice.”

Of course, soccer also had something to do with Mueller picking the Blugolds.

“I think the coach really connected with me when I went to tour the campus,” she said. “So along with having a good major, they also had a really good soccer program that I liked.”

Mueller was pleased as well that she got the recruiting process over before her final high school season begins in spring.

“I love it, I love knowing exactly where I’m going and what I’m going to do with my life,” she said. “It takes a lot of the pressure off.”

It will be Mueller’s fourth varsity season starting at either the mid-defender or attacking midfielder positions.

She helped North finish as state runner-up in 2018 and has made all-Fox River Classic Conference each of the last two seasons.

“I think we have a good opportunity at going to state again this year,” said Mueller, who was also on the Lakeshore United teams that reached the state finals in 2019 and ‘17. “We have been the conference champion two years in a row, which is something North has never done.

“And our program is only getting stronger.”