Eva Helgadottir is a long way from home. 

More than 3,000 miles and a seven-hour plane ride separate the Eagles' redshirt sophomore from her hometown of Reykjavik, Iceland, and college home in Morehead.   

So just how did Helgadottir make her way to the hills of east Kentucky to become a member of the MSU soccer team? 

"Two guys came to Iceland and talked about coming to America to play soccer," Helgadottir explained.  "I had a friend go to Florida State to play and won a national championship.  So I talked to the men and sent video clips.  Then one day, Trip (MSU Assistant Coach Trip Rogers) contacted me and we communicated on Skype.  I was ready to try something different." 

That "something different" meant committing to Morehead State, without so much as even a visit to campus.  Helgadottir checked out MSU on Google Maps and made her decision.  She was going to be an Eagle.   

Athletically, Helgadottier had already proven herself in her native land.  In 2015, she was voted Fylkir FC Player of the Year after logging 1,620 minutes and recording more than 80 saves in 18 matches.  She also spent time with Iceland's U17, U19, U23 and A-national teams, having earned best player and most promising player honors in 2012 and 2014, respectively.  
 
Upon arrival at MSU, there were adjustments to make, beginning with the climate.  In Iceland, summer temperatures are generally in the high 50's and low 60's with no humidity, which made Morehead's 80 and 90-plus degree days quite a shock. 

"It was hard and took a lot of getting used to," Helgadottir said with a smile.  "I felt like I was going to pass out at every practice.  I had to toughen up." 

Not only did Helgadottir have to adjust to the weather, but also the style of play. 

"The game is slower and more physical in Iceland.  Here in America, it's a spread game with lots of running—it's more technical.  Conditioning is more important here." 

Helgadottir made the necessary changes and played as a true freshman in 2016, starting all 14 matches in which, she appeared.  She led the Ohio Valley Conference with nearly seven saves per game and tied for second with 90 saves on the season.   

The 6'2" goalkeeper redshirted last year as a sophomore, which brings us to this season.  She's again in the starting lineup and among the team leaders in minutes played.  Through the Eagles' first eight games, she ranks ninth in the nation with an impressive 49 saves.  Her save percentage is .79.   

"There's a lot of pressure being a goalkeeper, it's really a mental game," Helgadottir said.  "Every ball you must be ready for and dare to dive and jump into it.  But it's so much fun when you make that great save." 

Helgadottir's career high for saves in a game is 13.  She loves the challenge and wants to perform well for her coaches and teammates.   

"I love my teammates and appreciate Coach (Warren) Lipka because there's a mutual trust.  We are open and honest with each other.  It's a good fit for me." 

Despite a 1–7 start to the season, the Eagles remain optimistic, having been very competitive against the likes of Pittsburgh (1-0 loss in double OT), Kentucky (2-1 OT loss) and Ball State (1-0 OT loss).  Helgadottir believes this bodes well for the upcoming Ohio Valley Conference schedule. 

And with the start of OVC play this weekend comes an extra special treat for Helgadottir—a visit from her parents, who will see their daughter play for the very first time in college. 

Helgadottir is a finance major at MSU.  Following graduation, she plans to attend graduate school in either Sweden, Norway or Denmark and continue playing soccer.    

But first, Helgadottir wants to enjoy every minute of the student-athlete experience at MSU—her second home.   
 
"I'm definitely glad I came to Morehead.  I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."