‘It’s finally clicking’: Nebraska soccer’s Eleanor Dale shines in senior season

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – If you’ve been to a Nebraska soccer game this season, you’ve heard Eleanor Dale’s name many times.

The England native always knew she wanted to play soccer in the U.S., and a meeting with head coach John Walker gave her that opportunity.

“When he told me about Nebraska, just all sounded too good to be true,” Dale said.

Fast forward to 2023, where she has helped lead the Huskers to another playoff appearance, a top-25 ranking and their first Big Ten Championship in 10 years.

Nebraska midfielder Sarah Weber said Dale’s leadership sets her apart from the rest.

“She’s very vocal, and she’ll definitely try to hold us to a higher standard,” Weber said “She does so by setting that example.” 

“I feel like me and Eleanor are very similar tactically, like with soccer,” junior Florence Belzile said. “I think I see her runs, and she sees my passes, it just like really works out.”

Dale has scored more goals this season than her previous three years combined, adding fuel to the fire of this season’s playoff run.

“I just think I’ve matured as a player, like I’ve worked on things that I need to work on and it’s finally clicking,” Dale said.

Dale is all business on the pitch but off of it, her personality gets to shine.

“The funny part is when she tries to do an American accent,” Belzile said. “She goes, ‘I’m going to McDonald’s and eating a cheeseburger,’ like it’s so funny.”

For Dale, it’s been a season and a career that she will remember for the rest of her life.

“It’s definitely, you know, a place that I’m always going to call home,” she said. 

Nebraska will face off with Wisconsin in the Big Ten Tournament semifinals on Nov. 2 at Hibner Stadium.