Janel Opeka

Position:
Midfielder
Height:
5-5
Class:
Freshman
Hometown:
Old Lyme, Conn.
High School:
Old Lyme

Big 12 All-Academic first team

Freshman (1996): Opeka made 16 starts and appeared in all 17 games at midfield as a true freshman. She scored a goal in a 4-1 win over Wyoming on Sept. 25 and finished the year with 14 shot attempts.

High School: Opeka kept the trophy makers busy as a prep, garnering a host of honors. She was a three-year first-team all-state selection, and also earned all-New England recognition as a senior. Opeka spent three years on the first-team all-shoreline team and was a member of the Connecticut state team for six years. She earned four letters at Old Lyme High School, Old Lyme, Conn., coached by Don Deautels. She lead team to the state quarterfinals as a sophomore, the semifinals as a junior and the state finals as a senior. Old Lyme was 47-7-2 her final three years as a prep. She recorded 36 goals and 26 assists in her four years. Opeka also participated in Old Lyme's thespian society, band and choir, and was a member of the school's National Honor Society, and was a member for Old Lyme's crew team, where she earned one letter while holding down the third seat.

Personal: Her major is undecided. Opeka was born May 7, 1978, in Old Lyme, Conn. Her parents are John and Jacquline Opeka of Old Lyme, Conn., and her full name is Janel Taylor Opeka.