Talia Sommer ’26
Major: Computational Neuroscience
Minor: Philosophy
Tel Aviv, Israel, and New York, New York

What led you to Butler?
When I began the recruiting process with the head coaches, Rob Alman and Tari St. Jogn, I knew this was where I wanted to spend my collegiate career. Their instantaneous kindness and enthusiasm for the game left a lasting impression. I also met some girls on the team I knew would become my best friends. Combining this competitive and strong social culture with the beautiful possession-based soccer style convinced me to become a Bulldog.

What is the best thing about being a member of the (men’s or women’s sports team)?
First, being part of such a talented team means having a blast on the field. I am playing with highly talented, creative, and competitive people. I love soccer; it is my biggest passion in life, and playing it with my best friends is a dream come true. Second, Butler is unique in the sense that it gives every one of its athletes a sense of home. Although I and other international students are thousands of miles from our families, we still feel welcome, loved, and cared for.

What is your favorite (non-sport) student activity?
My favorite thing is to sit at A-Town for hours with my teammates, snacking on food and talking about school, soccer, and life.

Who on campus has inspired you the most and why?
My teammates, no doubt. Their hard work on and off the field pushes me to excellence. Their kindness to each other warms my heart. Their commitment to the team, loyalty, and friendship keep me afloat during tough times.

What is your most outstanding achievement from your time at Butler?
A great collegiate career is the accumulation of little wins, one after the other. However, I am very proud of the team this year. The 2024 season was indeed one to remember. We played some of the best soccer I’ve ever seen or been a part of. We did things you see the biggest teams in the world do on the big stages. I loved every moment of last season and was extremely happy with my performance. This season, I won my second BIG EAST First Team honor in a row, scored the most offensive points in the league, and was an Academic All-American.

What do you want to do upon graduation?
Upon graduation, I plan to continue a professional soccer career while continuing my studies, aiming for a PhD in Neuroscience. I dream of playing in the best leagues in the world, whether Spanish, English, or American.

What words or advice would you give to an incoming Butler student-athlete?
As an incoming Butler student-athlete, know that you have a family behind you supporting you. Make connections with people from both the athletic and academic sides of campus, find people you care about, ask for support when needed, and have fun from what will be some of your life’s best years. Enjoy every moment.