DaytonFlyers.com Feature Story by
Nick Robbe, Athletics Communication Intern

Former Dayton soccer standout Mandi Bäck, a 2009 graduate, has succeeded at every level of soccer, playing in high school, then for the Flyers, and then the Boston Aztecs and Dayton Dutch Lions FC.

Now, Bäck has made the next step and will play for VVV-Venlo of the Premier League in Eredivisie, Netherlands.  She was there for two-and-a- half weeks during a tryout period and caught the eye of the scouts.

Playing over in Europe has always been a dream for Bäck.

“Not only will I be able to play soccer with a new team in a new country but I will have the opportunity to see other parts of the world that I have never seen before,” she said.

Bäck amassed 156 points (59 goals and 38 assists) as a four-year starter at North Olmstead.  In 2005, Bäck was an adidas/NSCAA All-America selection, first team all-state, and runner up for Ohio Player of the Year.

For UD, she led the team in scoring all four years that she played.  She was a first team all-Atlantic 10 selection four times.  In 2009 she was named an NSCAA First Team All-American in 2009, the first one in UD women’s soccer history.

As a member of the Dayton Dutch Lions FC in 2011, she led the team in points (17) with 6 goals and 5 assists.  That also put her in the Top 10 of the United Soccer League in points.

Bäck will be challenged both physically and technically as she jumps to a the next level, but she said she is ready to take on the challenges that encompass playing with a top-tier team.

She went on to say that her time as Flyer has allowed to handle to the challenges.

“While being at UD I had the advantage to grow physically and mentally on and off the field,” Bäck said. “I know what it takes to be at my best.”