KANSAS CITY- United Soccer Coaches announced UW-Oshkosh women's soccer alumna Christine (Barutha) Roehling as the recipient of the 2024 Jerry Yeagley Award on Friday (Dec. 13).
 
The Jerry Yeagley Award is named in honor of the legendary Indiana University men's soccer coach (1973-2003) who won 544 games and captured six NCAA championships. The prestigious honor presented annually to a former collegiate soccer student-athlete who has demonstrated extraordinary accomplishments and service beyond the sport itself.
 
Roehling's journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the unyielding spirit to make a difference. In 2016, Christine and her husband Dan faced a life-altering challenge when their 13-month-old twin daughters were diagnosed with a rare heart defect requiring heart transplants. The successful surgeries marked the beginning of a new chapter, not only for their family but for countless others touched by their story.
 
Determined to transform their personal heartache into hope, Christine and Dan founded The Beat Goes On Foundation. Their mission is clear: to turn heart transplantation into a cure by funding the latest research, supporting children and families affected by heart disease, and inspiring community action to enhance the lives of children living with heart conditions.
 
Since its inception, the foundation has proudly donated over $300,000 to support groundbreaking research at Children's Wisconsin and the Versity Blood Research Institute. These funds are pivotal in advancing the mission of "One Transplant for Life," aiming to improve the outcomes for solid organ transplant patients.
 
Roehling's journey has not been without personal trials. In 2019, she was diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer, facing a recurrence in her brain in 2022. Despite these challenges, her resolve has never wavered. Her focus remains on "paying it forward," ensuring a smoother path for children embarking on heart journeys similar to her daughters'.
 
The Beat Goes On Foundation hosts numerous events throughout the year, including their annual Heart 2 Heart Benefit, Giving Tuesday, and Toy Drives, focused on raising both funds and awareness. Their toy drive has resulted in the collection of over $60,000 worth of toys and gifts for patients and families at the Herma Heart Institute at Children's Wisconsin.
 
Balancing the demands of running a foundation with their careers and family life, Christine and Dan exemplify what it means to lead with heart. Christine's own battle with breast cancer in 2019-20 tested her strength; yet, she emerged as a survivor, completing a triathlon with Team Phoenix, an organization that redefines survivorship.
 
Christine's life is an inspiration to all, showing that strength and compassion can coexist. She has harnessed the trials she faced into a force for good, leading her community with grace and determination. Her story is a beacon of hope, reminding all of the extraordinary impact one can have when driven by love and the desire to give back.
 
A 4-year letterwinner with UW-Oshkosh women's soccer from 2002 to 2005, Roehling played in 54 games with 45 starts in goal. She allowed 47 goals against 187 saves, collected a 29-12-3 record and contributed 14 shutouts. Across her four seasons in white and gold, Roehling helped the Titans to a 52-25-6 record and a 20-7-5 mark in the WIAC. She played her final two seasons in current head coach Erin Coppernoll's first two with UW-Oshkosh.
 
"I am so excited that Christine is being recognized for her unwavering efforts to give back to her community", Coppernoll said on Friday. "Christine has faced unbelievable adversity in life and has turned it into something so amazing for others.  As a coach, you want your players to be their best in the face of adversity and the college game is a metaphor for life. Christine has certainly shown exceptional effort in this, and I am so incredibly proud of Christine's efforts and am so inspired by her."
 
Roehling will be honored during the annual All-America Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 11, 2025, in conjunction with the 85th United Soccer Coaches Convention in Chicago.
 
The Jerry Yeagley Award for Exceptional Personal Achievement is presented annually to a former college men's or women's soccer player who has demonstrated exceptional personal achievement and extraordinary accomplishment that transcends normal expectation, and who was an example and inspiration to his/her teammates and university.
 
The recipient should exhibit the qualities of sportsmanship, integrity, respect and concern for others, leadership, generosity, and appreciation and should exhibit a strong work ethic and have the ability to rise above adversity. This can be an individual who has overcome personal challenges or the perseverance to overcome professional challenges.
 
Any former college player is eligible for the award, but the nomination must come from a member of an active United Soccer Coaches College Services program.