As the most decorated student-athlete on the University of Minnesota Duluth soccer squad in 2013, White Bear Lake, Minn., native Dani Potter seemed like an obvious choice to be chosen the Buldogs' 2013 captain: She's earned All-Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference honors in each of her first three seasons, All-NSIC academic honors as a sophomore and a junior, and an NSCAA All-Central Region selection in 2012, but Bulldog head coavch Greg Cane credits her leadership on and off the field for his choice.

"Dani's impact on our team has been evident since the first day she arrived three years ago," Cane said. "She is a dynamic player that brings a host of assets to the team."

Cane credits her maturity on and off the field, leadership and respect for her teammates, outstanding physical fitness and play-making ability for making her one of the reasons the season should be an exciting one for UMD soccer.

"The prospects for our season are bright because of her," Cane added.

Potter says Cane—and all of her coaches—as well as her family, friends, and teammates for having significant influence on her athletic career. As someone who started playing soccer at four years old, Potter says the most memorable moment of her career came at UMD. At home against Bemidji State in her freshman season, the Bulldogs and Beavers battled to a scoreless tie through the first 89 minutes, but Potter broke away from the Bemidji defense and, with just 53 ticks on the clock, netted her seventh goal of the year to earn the Bulldogs a 1-0 victory. Potter finished her freshman campaign with eight goals, a career high. Through her first three seasons, she has 50 career points via 18 goals and 14 assists.

When asked why she wears the number 17 for UMD, she chooses to honor all the athletes who have worn the maroon and gold.

"I wear it to represent all the hard work and dedication of each team member and everyone who has played at UMD."

In addition to the lure of the team, Potter credits the beauty of Duluth as to why she chose UMD.

"I loved Duluth before even looking at the school," she said. "I love all the oudtoors things that you can try! Once I visited the school, it was a no-brainer!"

Potter is an exercise science major and says her favorite course at UMD was Human Phyiology.

When not on the field, her favorite pastime is going on nature walks, and she says, "I make a mean guacamole!"

After finishing second on the team in scoring last season with 15 points (five each in goals and assists), Potter will again need to be a key contributor to the Bulldogs' offense in her senior season—and Coach Cane believes that role extends beyond scoring goals.

"Her fellow players listen to and respect her," Cane said. "As a leader this year, she has served as a perfect role model."

EXTRA KICKS

Favorite...
• Pro Athlete: Rajon Rondo
• Professional Team: Boston Celtics
• TV Show: Duck Dynasty
• Author: Jodi Picoult
• Band/artist: Lifehouse
• Actor: Ryan Gosling
• Actress: Jennifer Aniston
• Movie: The Town
• Food: "Any kind of pasta!"
• Restaurant: Cheesecake Factory
• Vacation Spot: Colorado
• Opponent: Winona State
• Road Trip: Winona State

Biggest Soccer Strength: corner kicks

Biggest Soccer Weakness: heading

Prized Possession:  photographs

Can't leave home without: chapstick

Biggest Fear: "the real world"

Pet Peeve: chewing with mouths open

First Job: The Berry Patch (age 18)

Game Day Ritual: "At home, I need an asiago cheese bagel with sun-dried tomato cream cheese for breakfast."

Advice to Young Athletes: "Never give up on your dream!"

Post-UMD Plans: "Hopefully attending graduate school for physical therapy"