Laurel O'Neal

	Position:	Midfielder
	Height:	5-6
	Hometown:	Chapel Hill, NC
	High School:	East Chapel Hill
	Major:	Psychology
	Parents:	Mark O'Neal & Elizabeth Taylor

Senior (2006):

O’Neal was named to the All-University Athletic Association first team, the third time during her Emory career that she has received all-conference honors.  The senior started all 16 games she played in for the Eagles’ defense in 2006.  She was the co-captain of an Emory backfield that recorded a 0.98 goals against average and nine shutouts during the season.  The one goal she scored during the season was a game-winning goal, coming in a 3-0 win over Oglethorpe University (Ga.).  She finishes her career having started all 71 games she has played in, the fourth-most games started in school history.  O’Neal has one goal and six assists during her four years on the team.     

Junior (2005):

Junior Laurel O’Neal started in the middle of the Emory defense that gave up only eight goals in 18 games. and posted 13 shutouts. O’Neal played in 11 of the team’s 13 shutouts, third most in a season by an Emory team. The defense played well in close games winning 7 of 8 games decided by one goal and going 4-0-2 in overtime games. The defense did not give up a lead the entire season. O’Neal was named Emory Defensive Athlete of the Week on September 26.

Sophomore (2004):

For the second year in a row, sophomore defender Laurel O'Neal received honorable mention in voting for the all-conference team. O'Neal was a part of a clutch Emory defense that was 5-0 in conference games decided by one goal and had nine shutouts this season. O'Neal had four assists, including two in one game against Wesleyan (Ga.), the first multiple-point game of her career. O'Neal was the only defender to start every game this season.

Freshman (2003):

Freshman defender Laurel O'Neal received an honorable mention on the all-conference team. O'Neal was one of two Emory freshmen to receive the honor. O'Neal started 19 games on a defense that ranked eighth in nation for shutouts and 11th in goals against average. She helped a defense that yielded eight goals this season, tying a school record, and compiled a 0.42 GAA, third best in school history. O'Neal was selected the conference "Athlete of the Week" Sept. 29. She had two assists this season, including the game-winning assist against Case Western Reserve (Ohio). O'Neal was one of five players to start all 19 games.

Career Statistics:

For complete career statistics, click here.

Quote:

"I chose Emory University because I wanted to be part of a community where athletics did not take away from the quality of my academics. Playing soccer at Emory has given me the opportunity to travel all over the country, maintain my fitness, continue my soccer career, and most importantly, get an education. The experience of competing at the collegiate level and the relationships that I have developed with my teammates are priceless, something I will cherish for the rest of my life."