[media-credit name=’DEREK MONTGOMERY/Herald Photo’ align=’alignright’ width=’336′][/media-credit]Last Saturday, while most Badger faithful were at home cheering on the University of Wisconsin football team, the UW women's soccer team had one of its most outstanding games of the season.

The Badgers knocked off UW-Milwaukee 4-0. It was an exhausting game for the Badgers, but the victory was much valued.

Following the game, autograph enthusiasts eagerly awaited for game highlighters Taylor Walsh, Allison Preiss and Katy Lindenmuth to sign their miniature soccer balls.

Hats were tipped that night to the offense, but little attention was bestowed upon the defense.

Badger faithful seemed to overlook No. 21 Ann Eshun. That night, the sophomore defender was never alone in the backfield, as Panther forwards constantly put pressure on her in their pursuit of a shot on goal. Eshun's skillful footwork and speed helped goalkeeper Lynn Murray record the Badgers' third shutout of the season.

Eshun also received the opportunity to showcase her offensive mettle, when just over a minute into the game, Eshun made a crucial pass to Walsh, which led to Walsh's first career goal. It was also the first assist of the year for Eshun and the second of her career.

Though Eshun possesses offensive potential, being a defender has always been in her heart.

"Obviously there is not a lot of glory in being a defender, but I like it," Eshun said. "I like getting stuck in, defending people and hitting people, as bad as that sounds, and just keeping them out of our goal."

Eshun has always been a naturally talented defender. Once a basketball star, it took the persuading of her youth travel coach to convince Eshun to take soccer more seriously. She took her coach's advice and hasn't regretted her decision to quit basketball.

Once Eshun was able to concentrate exclusively on soccer, she found success immediately. While in high school, Eshun helped lead the Madison 56ers to back-to-back state championships.

When it came time to decide on where to play soccer in college, her accomplishments led her no further than the 15 miles to UW.

Eshun wasted no time adjusting to her new team. In her freshman campaign, the Madison native started 20-of-21 games. She recorded one assist against Ohio and helped her team return to the NCAA tournament. Eshun's hard work throughout the year was acknowledged when she received the Freshman Award at the conclusion of the season.

"It was nice to be appreciated like that," Eshun said in response to receiving her award. "I shared the award with goalkeeper Lynn Murray, so it was nice for both of us to receive that award."

Though Eshun takes soccer seriously, she is often a jokester off the field, making her teammates laugh, but knowing when to focus. Though she possesses an intense approach to soccer, the sophomore remains calm and relaxed in pressure situations.

"On the field Ann is really intense," teammate and roommate Shannon Terry said. "But whenever she gets the ball, she is really calm. Someone will come at her full speed and calmly she'll tap the ball and pass it along."

"Ann contributes a lot for us on the field," assistant coach Carrie Barker said about Eshun. "She carries herself very professionally. She'll have her jokes but knows when to joke around and when not to. When Ann talks, people listen and people respect her for that, and for who she is. She is very intelligent and wise."

Eshun enjoys practicing hard and playing hard and is often viewed as a leader by her teammates and coaches.

"She is a starter and a sophomore, but acts like an upperclassman on the field," Barker said. "She acts like a leader and is very consistent, which is incredible for her."

Though a young leader, Eshun still has some skills to perfect. In the future, Barker sees Eshun becoming one of the premier defenders in the Big Ten.

"She still has a lot to learn, but she'll continue to get better year after year," Barker said.