HELSINKI, FINLAND - Former Campbell University women's soccer standout Pirjo Leppikangas has been named to the Finland squad that will compete in Cyprus next month.  The Cyprus Cup is being used by most UEFA-based national teams as the final preparation for the European Championships held in Sweden this July. 

The national camp is the fourth for Leppikangas since leaving the Creek in 2011 and leads up to matches in Cyprus against Canada, Holland and Switzerland. Leppikangas ended her career in the Orange and Black as one of the program's most dynamic attacking players with the accolades to prove it.  She was a First Team selection for the Big South Conference and was also named to the BSC All-Tournament team as the Fighting Camels made a run to the tournament final. 

Coach Todd Clark says of the news, "In my opinion Pirjo is one of the all-time best players that has ever put on a Campbell University shirt.  I obviously haven't seen every player who has ever been here but she is a player that was at home on every field we ever played during her time here and she is definitely the best individual I have ever coached.  I am humbled by some of those I have has the pleasure of working with over the last twenty some years but she is clearly the most dominant.  She deserves this honor and opportunity and our program is rooting for her as she performs on the world stage both for her and because of the reflected excitement it brings the Fighting Camel soccer family."  

"What an amazing thought that someone who was here in the Creek with us just a couple of years ago is now competing with the best players in the entire world," Clark continues. "To steal a phrase, we are 'Campbell Proud' of Pipe and thrilled for her as well as the knowledge that she feels her time here has helped her to recognize this chance as an elite athlete.  That is a tremendous endorsement for our program and the university."