Bailey Wiemann was looking to continue her education and play women's college soccer for two more years somewhere in Iowa after graduating from Indian Hills Community College this month.

Then the Burlington High School graduate got a call from former Grayhound teammate Emily Murphy, asking her to consider transferring to the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay.

Offered the chance to be reunited with her friend, Wiemann jumped at the chance.

So when the Phoenix open the 2022 season in August, Wiemann and Murphy will be reunited on the pitch.

"Emily reached out to me and gave me the coach's contact information," Wiemann said. "They were still looking to bring a couple more players in. I went on a visit in January and I really liked Green Bay. The campus is really nice. Having Emily there was definitely a big thing for me. I'm not the most outgoing person, so to have someone there that I already know will be very helpful. That will help me get to know a lot more people."

"Continuing a strong connection with a solid junior college program in the Midwest, we are eager to have Bailey join us in the fall," Wisconsin-Green Bay head coach Julie Grutzner said. "We knew right away after talking to her that she would fit well with our family culture. Bailey is a first team All-American from Indian Hills Community College. She has a knack for the goal, scoring 25 goals while dishing out 15 assists this past fall. We are excited to add her to our offense as her speed, finishing abilities, and ability to take players on makes her a threat anywhere on the field."

Wiemann was an all-state player for Burlington High School, then earned first team all-Region XI honors twice for Indian Hills. 

The first NJCAA first team All-American in Indian Hills history, Wiemann put together one of the most impressive careers for the Warriors. Wiemann was recognized as the ICCAC Player of the Year, an NJCAA All-Region XI first-team selection, and a five-time recipient of the ICCAC Athlete of the Week. Wiemann wrapped up her career second in program history with 97 points and 36 goals.

Wiemann heads to UW-Green Bay to pair up with former Indian Hills All-American Emily Murphy (2018-19). Under the direction of head coach Julie Grutzner, the Phoenix put together an 8-3-6 record and reached the semifinal round of the Horizon League Championship.  

Wiemann, who is majoring in business, is looking forward to being reunited with Murphy for the first time since their days at BHS.

"We haven't played together in a game for a long time," Wiemann said. "Knowing her and the chemistry we have together, I am very excited about it. Next year is her last year. It's her COVID year. I am excited to get to play with her one more time."

Matt Levins is a sports reporter for the USA TODAY Network in Burlington, Iowa, who has covered local sports for 31 years. Reach him at mlevins@thehawkeye.com.