Eastern assistant coach Kristen Boeker proves that one can go back to school again. Boeker will return to her alma mater in Columbia, Mo., as her new squad at Eastern will prepare to survive and advance in the NCAA College Cup against Missouri.

“I’m thrilled to get a chance to return to Missouri, and it will be exciting for the friends and family to see my team live,” Boeker said.

Only, this time one crucial aspect will be different for the Boeker faithful that make the trip to Columbia.

“They will be there wearing the Panther blue this time,” Boeker said.

There is no question where Boeker’s loyalty resides as her team prepares for tournament action this week.

“I was a Tiger but now I couldn’t be happier as a Panther,” Boeker said.

Boeker received All-Big 12 Conference honors in each of her four years as a player in the Tiger program.

The Panthers’ assistant coach got an opportunity to compete against her former school earlier this year, but Eastern dropped the non-conference game 3-2 in overtime.

“We’ve already played on that surface and competed against Missouri so we feel comfortable with this matchup,” Boeker said.

Boeker hasn’t received the jokes from her players about being a former Tiger, but the faculty and coaching staff has let her know she bleeds blue and white now.

“The jokes have been around the office but the team hasn’t even brought up that I was a Tiger,” Boeker said.

Boeker says head coach Steve Ballard and she look up all national scores on Sunday and Monday but she doesn’t specifically keep track of Missouri’s progress.

“Just because I’m a graduate of Missouri doesn’t mean I go on MU’s web site to check scores,” Boeker said.

This is the third straight season the Panthers have qualified for the NCAA College Cup and Boeker is proud of her seniors that have gotten to taste the experience on a consistent basis.

“Players like Beth Liesen, Teri, Lori who have worked so hard to build this program up to national significance,” Boeker said.

When the bracket was announced this week, Boeker had the look of amazement on her face and was astonished at what she’d seen.

“I just couldn’t believe it because of all the places to play I didn’t think we were headed to Missouri,” Boeker said. “It will be a different experience from Notre Dame.”

“Everybody in the tournament deserves to be there and we did get more respect this time around, but the bracket isn’t easy at all,” Boeker said.

Overall, Boeker is excited to participate as a coach in a do-or-die situation at her former school.

“The key to tournament play is you have to bring it all or go home,” Boeker said.