BLACKWOOD, N.J. – While many recent college graduates are enjoying their summers at the shore, one former Cabrini women's soccer student-athlete is spending her summer chasing her dream of playing professional soccer.

After completing her eligibility, Kara Hinkelmon tried out for a newly formed Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team called the Philadelphia Fever. 

While Hinkelmon knew it may be a long shot, she was selected to play on the club's Under 23 team.  With solid play, Hinkelmon hoped that she could be called up to the top level team at some point during the season.

The WPSL features eight teams featuring some of the best women's soccer talent in the nation.  With the suspension of the 2012 Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) season, the WPSL is now the highest level of women's soccer in the country. 

After just a few games on the Under 23 squad, Hinkelmon knew that she would be elevated o the Fever in early July, but her call-up came earlier than expected.

Hinkelmon was elevated prior to the Fever's game against the Western New York Flash on June 22.   She was inserted into the starting line-up as the Fever fell 2-0.

“It was the most amazing experience!” Hinkelmon said after the game. 

With six games remaining in the season, Hinkelmon hopes her on-field performance will open doors to more professional opportunities.

Though Hinkelmon has always had a passion for the game, it was her time as a Cavalier that solidified her dream of playing professional soccer. 

 A three-time All-Colonial States Athletic Conference (CSAC) honoree, Hinkelmon amassed 103 career points on 40 goals and 23 assists.

Hinkelmon credits the Cavaliers' coaching staff, led by 11th year head coach Ken Prothero, with developing her as a player, both mentally and physically. 

“Coach Prothero just focuses on getting better every day,” Hinkelmon explained.  “No matter what we were doing, he always focused on progress each time we took the field for practice or a game.”

The Blue and White's trip to Germany and Italy during the summer of 2011 only intensified her passion for the game and desire to chase her dream. 

“It was such a great trip on so many levels,” said Hinkelmon.  “It was a great chance for our team to bond and learn a lot about history and other cultures.

“In terms of soccer, we were exposed to a different type of coaching and play.  After that trip, I knew that if I worked hard and stayed focused, I would have the opportunity to follow my dream of ultimately playing overseas.”

During the 2012 season, Hinkelmon and the Cavaliers parlayed their European experience into the program's fourth CSAC championship.