ROCHESTER, Mich. - Oakland Athletics has announced the induction of former women's soccer standout Sarah Buckland into the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor as a part of the Class of 2026, recognizing her exceptional career as one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in program history and her lasting impact on the Golden Grizzlies from 2000-03.
"Being inducted into the Hall of Honor is a tremendous honor. My time at OU holds some of my fondest memories, and I worked incredibly hard during my years there," said Buckland. "To be recognized for that hard work means a great deal to me. I want to thank my amazing teammates I was fortunate enough to play alongside, Coach Nick O'Shea, and my goalkeeper coach Gordon Gardiner, who all had a huge impact on me and helped me improve every day!"
"My teammates over the years were just as important. Soccer is truly a team sport, and success only comes when everyone works together. The support, trust, and shared commitment we had for one another made the experience special and helped shape who I am today."
A native of Burlington, Ontario, Canada, Buckland didn't stray far from home in her choice to attend Oakland. "I chose Oakland because of the atmosphere-it felt like the right fit right away," said Buckland. "The people were welcoming and supportive, and it was far enough from home to feel independent while still being close enough for family to visit and watch games. I also loved the diversity of the team. Having teammates from all over the world made the experience even more meaningful and helped create a strong sense of community."
On the field, Buckland established herself as one of the most dominant goalkeepers to ever wear the Golden Grizzlies uniform. She holds the program record for career saves (514), career shutouts (30), and career minutes played in goal (7,078), while also ranking fifth in career goals-against average (1.05). Buckland started the third-most games in program history (80) and is tied for the fifth-most saves in a single game (15), a feat she accomplished three times during her career.
Her single-season performances were equally impressive, as Buckland ranks third in single-season saves (150 in 2003) and fourth (146 in 2002) in program history. She also set the program standard for most shutouts in a season with 10 in 2001, and later tied for the second-most shutouts in a single season with nine in 2003.
"There are so many great memories on the pitch," Buckland said when remembering her top moments in the Black and Gold. "One that will always stand out is my very first game as a Golden Grizzly. We went into Ohio State as the underdogs. Going into their house and winning 4-1 in my first collegiate game is something I'll never forget. Beyond that, the moments shared with my teammates-pushing through hard times and celebrating our successes together-are memories that will truly last a lifetime."
Buckland's excellence and leadership earned her numerous conference accolades, including 2003 All-Summit League First Team honors, two All-Summit League Second Team selections (2000, 2001), 2002 Summit League Tournament MVP, and a spot on the 2001 Summit League All-Tournament Team.
Since graduating from Oakland, Buckland has continued to make an impact through education and coaching. She began her career as a soccer coach, later transitioned into the culinary field as a chef and cooking instructor, and for the past 10 years has worked as an elementary school teacher, currently teaching Grades 7 and 8. In addition to teaching, she coaches girls' and boys' soccer, basketball, boys' volleyball, and pickleball.
"Oakland helped me develop the ability to stay composed, bounce back, and lead through challenging moments. Those lessons in communication, teamwork, and resilience have carried over into my life beyond soccer and have helped me navigate everything life has thrown my way."
Buckland will be officially inducted at the 2026 Hall of Honor Induction Ceremony on Saturday, Jan. 31, 2025 in the Oakland Center Ballrooms.
