On October 19, Ann Palm (formerly Eshun) spoke at the second FC WI Eclipse Program Dinner of the fall season to share her journey from a Madison youth club player to a University of Wisconsin women's soccer captain and multiple Academic All-Big Ten award winner (2005, 2006, 2007). 

On October 19, Ann Palm (formerly Eshun) spoke at the second FC WI Eclipse Program Dinner of the fall season to share her journey from Madison youth soccer to a University of Wisconsin women's soccer captain and multiple Academic All-Big Ten award winner (2005, 2006, 2007).

Throughout her discussion, Ann emphasized the importance of knowing your goals, and having confidence in who you are as a person as you go through the stages of your soccer career.  She also described what she missed most about youth soccer - her teammates - when commenting how her youth club teammates still emain some of her closest friends: "Look around the room, some of the people here will be a part of the rest of your life."  

While Ann finished in the top 10 all-time in appearances for the Badgers, her journey began as an under-sized player on a team that didn't win many games in U14 and U15.  By the time she graduated from high school, her team included 16 future college soccer players, 13 in NCAA Division 1, most of whom were on the team since U14.  Her club team was, and still is, the most successful girls soccer team ever to come out of Madison.

"Ann was one of the mentally toughest and most committed players I have ever coached," said Christian Lavers.  "She is a tremendous role model for our young players for what it takes to be successful, and how you always have a choice to be great."  In her own words: "I faced a lot of adversity growing up, but I stayed focused on my priorities and goals and just kept working hard to get where I wanted.  Soccer opened doors for me to a college education."    

Palm was a part of the initial FC Wisconsin Eclipse coaching staff in 2012, before having her first child and temporarily stepping away from coaching.  She currently works full-time as a pharmacist in Menomonee Falls.  For a previous interview with Ann, click here.