Studs in the Classroom

We are thrilled and proud of the academic recognition our women's soccer program garnered this afternoon.  As a program, we believe academics to be the most important and significant component of our student-athletes college experience and therefore, strive to help them succeed in the classroom.  Each and every member of our team is focused on succeeding in the classroom and recognize the importance of academics to their futures.  All in all, the Gustavus Women's Soccer Team aims high on the field and, collectively as a team, look to aim even higher academically.  Congrats team on your 3.48 GPA!  

Women’s Soccer Earns National Soccer Coaches Association Of America Academic Recognition

Posted on November 22nd, 2013 by Tyler Grey

Kansas City, Kan. - The Gustavus women’s soccer team has earned recognition from the National Soccer Coaches Association Of America (NSCAA) for its academic performance during the 2012-13 school year.  With a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.48, the Gusties are one of 593 women’s soccer teams, regardless of Division, to be awarded the honor.

The NSCAA annually recognizes college and high school soccer programs that have excelled in the classroom, in addition to their work on the field.  This year, a total of 862 college soccer teams (269 men, 593 women) posted a team grade point average of 3.0 or higher, thereby earning the NSCAA Team Academic Award for the 2012-13 academic year.  Of the 593 women’s teams, the Gusties ranked 63rd in team GPA.

Gustavus was one of seven schools to represent the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (MIAC) in the women’s awards.  Of those seven teams, the Gusties (3.48) registered the third-highest GPA behind Saint Benedict (3.61) and Carleton (3.57).

In Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie’s second season at the helm, Gustavus posted an overall record of 8-9-0 and an MIAC mark of 3-8-0.  Their eight wins marked two more than a year ago, and are the best season total since 2007 when the Gusties went 8-10-0 (3-8-0 MIAC) on the year.

NSCAA Release

Two Selected for All-Conference, One on Sportsmanship Team

We are proud to announce the Gustavus Women's Soccer team landed two seniors on the All-Conference team this year! Senior Captains Estee Berg and Amanda Cartony earned All-MIAC Honorable Mention honors for their consistently strong and impactful play and leadership this past fall.  What phenomenal four year careers these two stand-out student-athletes had donning Gustavus Women's Soccer jerseys.  In addition to our All-Conference nods, junior Valerie Belanger was selected for the All-MIAC Sportsmanship team for her unwavering support of her teammates on and off the field.   For more information check out our press release courtesy of Gustavus Athletics! 

Berg, Cartony Earn Women’s Soccer All-MIAC Honorable Mention Honors

Posted on November 18th, 2013 by Tyler Grey

St. Paul – Gustavus women’s soccer seniors Estee Berg (Stillwater, Minn.) and Amanda Cartony (Stillwater, Minn.) were named to the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference’s (MIAC) Women’s Soccer All-Conference Honorable Mention team last week.  It is the second straight season that the Gusties have had multiple players named Honorable Mention after landing three on the squad a year ago.

A four-year starter on the back line, Estee Berg has been selected to the All-Conference Honorable Mention team for the second time in her career.  Berg started all 17 games this season, registering one assist from her defender position.  The senior led a Gustavus defense that allowed 13.1 shots per game (6th/MIAC) and held opposing teams to a shot percentage of .117. Berg played in all 68 games of her career wearing the Black and Gold with one assist for one point.  In her tenure anchoring the back line, the Gusties posted a collective goals against average of 1.72.

Emerging as one of the top goal-scorers in Gustavus women’s soccer history, Amanda Cartony earned her third straight Honorable Mention honor.  The senior striker scored seven goals (t-12th/MIAC) and a career-high five assists (t-8th/MIAC) for a total of 19 points (t-11th/MIAC) this season.  Her five assists and 19 points each led the team, while her seven goals ranked second.  It is the third straight season that she has led the team in points scored.  For her career, Cartony has amassed 26 goals and 10 assists for a total of 62 points as a Gustie.  Her 26 career goals rank tied for eighth all-time at Gustavus, while her 62 points rank 10th.

Valerie Belanger

As part of a conference-wide sportsmanship initiative, the MIAC announced the eighth-annual All-MIAC Sportsmanship team for women’s soccer. Members of the All-MIAC Sportsmanship team are selected by their coaches and teammates as individuals who demonstrate ideals of positive sportsmanship both on and off the field of competition.  Gustavus’s representative on this year’s All-MIAC Sportsmanship team was junior forward Valerie Belanger (Zimmerman, Minn.).

The Gustavus women’s soccer team finished its 2013 campaign with an overall record of 8-9-0 and an MIAC mark of 3-8-0.  This season’s eight wins are the most since 2007 when the Gusties went 8-10-0.

Yuwa Getting Attention and Support!

YouTube Video Highlights 2013 Yuwa Activities

Check out Yuwa's video!  Truly an amazing organization that we are happy and proud to support!

End of Season

...by the Stats

Sometimes numbers tell a whole lot, sometimes they tell very little.  In this case you cannot sum up the 2013 Gustavus Women's Soccer team by the numbers, it's just not fitting of their team identity or personally to solely sum them up with that, but these numbers compared to the 2012 season are telling...

2013 Gustavus Women's Soccer

Overall Record: 8-9    Conference Record: 3-8    Non-Conference: 5-1

Overall

Goals: 26 (+8)

Assists: 18 (+4)

Goals per game: 1.53 (+.5)

Shots per game: 13.1 (+3.2)

Total Shots: 223 (+54)

Corners: 70 (+26)

Opponents Corners: 73 (-13)

In-Conference

Goals: 10 (+5)

Assists: 5 (+1)

Shots: 79 (+13)

Opponents Shots: 173 (-48)

Corners: 25 (+7)

Opponents Corners: 46 (-13)

Bennett Rankings:

Overall: 153/438 (Moved up 76 places from 2012)

Region: 21/53

Offensive: 123/438 (moved up 155 places from 2012)

Off. Region: 19/53

Defensive: 212/438  (moved down 35 places from 2012)

Def. Region: 30/53

Strength of Schedule: 50/438 (moved up 46 places from 2012)

SoS Region: 10/53

The MIAC: 6/45  (6^th toughest conference in country)

Other Team Highlights:

-       Tied for the most wins in a season since 2003 (eight wins in 07’ and 08’)

-       Best non-conference record since 2002

-       Second Best Non-Conference winning percentage in a season in 30-plus-year history of GWS

-       Never lost a game when we scored first

Individual Highlights:

Amanda Cartony etched herself in the record books by moving into 8^th place for career goals and 10^th place for career points!

Gustavus Nominated by NCAA

Gustavus has been nominated for this month's NCAA Division III Special Olympics Spotlight Poll! Please VOTE and encourage your athletes, friends, relatives, etc. to vote for our Special Olympics story.  

Vote at: http://www.ncaa.org/D3SpecialOlympics

Athletic Department Hosts First Special Olympics Unified Flag Football Tournament

Posted on October 2nd, 2013 by Ethan Armstrong

Mike Broker of the Mankato LEEP Vikings jumps into his coach's arms in celebration of a victory at the Special Olympics Unified Flag Football Tournament held at Gustavus in late September.

St. Peter, Minn. – Hollingsworth Field, located inside the Gustavus Football Stadium, has hosted its share of collegiate and high school football since opening in 2007.  On a late September Sunday afternoon, the Gustavus Adolphus College Athletic Department opened the doors of the stadium to a different type of football – one that has no use for pads and helmets but adheres to the principles and values of the sport.  Hosted on the field turf of Hollingsworth Field, the Special Olympics of Minnesota held its Unified Flag Football Area Tournament, which featured areas 6, 8, 9, and 10.

In unified flag football, athletes with and without a disability play on the same team. Unified flag football in the newest sport offered by the Special Olympics in Minnesota.

More than 100 athletes flocked to Gustavus for the first Unified Flag Football Tournament held on campus.  Flag football is the newest sport sponsored by the Special Olympics of Minnesota.  It is offered as a unified sport, which means individuals with and without a disability are on the same team.  Rosters vary in size, but three athletes and two unified partners make up the five-player field-roster.  The flag football season runs from August to mid October.  For more information on Special Olympics Flag Football, please follow the link below.

http://specialolympicsminnesota.org/sports/flag-football/

“This is the first year Special Olympics Minnesota has offered unified flag football at the area level, and actually the event at Gustavus was our first-ever area unified flag football competition,” said Frank Spaeth, the Sports Program Manager of Special Olympics Minnesota Areas 8, 9, and 10.   “It was a great way to get things started. We had nine teams this first year, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we double, or possibly triple, the number of teams that participate next year!”

Spaeth went on to thank Gustavus for opening its doors and allowing the Special Olympics to use such wonderful facilities.  “A coach from one of the teams participating, who has been involved with unified flag football at the state level the past few years, mentioned that he thought the field was as nice as TCF Bank Stadium, where we held a state unified flag football event last year.”

The tournament began at 1:00 p.m. and lasted until the end of the final game at 5:30 p.m.  The full-length football field was divided into three separate competition fields measuring 40 yards long by 25 yards wide.  A total of 12 games were held with each team having the opportunity to play two games throughout the day.

Over 80 Gustavus student-athletes were in charge of handling the operations of the tournament.  Gusties from across the entire athletic department served as referees, down markers, scoreboard operators, timekeepers, announcers, concession stand attendees, and yes, fans.  Those not directly involved with the game cheered and showed their support with signs posted throughout the stadium.  The Gustavus Athletic Training Department also pitched in by providing several student trainers who offered medical support for the entirety of the event.

“The support we get from the Gustavus staff and students was phenomenal,” commented Spaeth.  “To have members of the football team come out on a Sunday afternoon and donate their time and expertise serving as game officials really helped the day run smoothly. The additional help we received from members of the softball, volleyball, and men’s basketball teams with set-up and running the clocks and scoreboards was also a huge benefit to the event. We also had athletic trainers staffing the first aid and water station.  I can’t thank them enough for their efforts.”

Following the tournament, the participating teams were awarded with ribbons reflecting their respective finish.  Gusties were at the ceremony to offer congratulatory hugs, handshakes, and kind words.

Current Gustavus student-athletes served as referees, down markers, scoreboard operators, timekeepers, announcers, and concession stand attendees at the tournament.

“Seeing our student-athletes support the participants was the coolest part of the day,” said Assistant Athletic Director Kari Eckheart.  “At one point the athletes got together and created an entire cheering section in the stands.  They cheered their hearts out and it felt like a Gustavus game day in the stadium.  The Special Olympics athletes thrived on the excitement and you could see nothing but smiles on their faces all day.”

Spaeth added, “We are looking forward to continuing the strong partnership we have with Gustavus, and to working with them on unified flag football and a number of other area events next year and into the future.”

Photo Gallery Set I

Photo Gallery Set II

Some of the participating teams will compete at the state competition being held Oct. 12-13 at the West St. Paul Regional Athletics Center in West St. Paul, Minn.

For more information on Special Olympics in Minnesota or the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s Division III partnership with the organization, please follow the links below.

Going Out with Flare

Gusties Fall In Final Match at Hamline

We've repeatedly stated that what the Gustavus Women's Soccer team does, we do it with flare, style, pizazz, a lot of personality and a whole lot of heart.  This past Saturday was no different, the 2013 Women's Soccer team went out in style, and the senior class showed their flare.  There was a lot of heart out on the field for the final matchup on Saturday vs. Hamline.  Neither team being able to make the playoffs, it was a game for pride, glory and perhaps bragging rights.

The Gusties came out swinging pressing Hamline early in the match.  Not allowing the Pipers to get a shot on net in the first twenty minutes.  It was the lateral movement of Hamline across the field that ultimately caused the defensive breakdown and the Pipers first goal.  Neither team found much rhythm in the remainder of the half with Hamline taking a 1-0 lead to halftime.

Once the second half began, the Pipers struck quickly and continued to press for the next fifteen minutes with Gustavus getting just a few opportunities to go forwards into the Pipers end.  In a 3 goal deficit, Gustie's Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie started to mix things up.  Culminating with a final 8 minutes with the three senior defensive specialists; Leah Brossoit, Estee Berg and Ana Gleason being sent high to forward positions.  Amanda Cartony would back them up in the midfield attack with Liz Underwood and Emily Papagapitos pushing high as well.  Estee made some fantastic runs to the corner, even sliding and taking out the corner flag in one triumphant effort!!  In that span Leah took the final corner of her career, ending with a bang and putting the ball in the back of the net directly off the kick.  She scored the same way in her second game as a Gustie, nice bookends on a great career.

All smiles and heart, the score seemed to matter little for once as the 2013 Gusties enjoyed their final game playing together.

Box Score

Women’s Soccer Concludes Season With 4-1 Loss To Hamline

Posted on November 3rd, 2013 by Tyler Grey

St. Paul – The Gustavus Adolphus women’s soccer team concluded its 2013 season with a 4-1 loss to Hamline at Paterson Field on Saturday afternoon.  The Pipers took a 1-0 lead into halftime before scoring two goals in the first 13 minutes following the break.  The Gusties scored late, but it was not enough in the three-goal loss.  Gustavus finishes the season 8-9-0 overall and 3-8-0 in the MIAC, while Hamline finishes the year 9-6-3 overall and 6-4-1 in conference play.

Leah Brossoit scored her second career
goal Saturday.

The two teams played to a stalemate over the first 22-plus minutes as neither team registered a shot.  The Pipers finally got a look at the net at the 22:46 mark, but the shot was saved by Gustavus goalkeeper Roisen Granlund (Fy., St. Paul, Minn.) and the scoring chance was averted.

Eight and a half minutes later, Hamline was on the scoreboard after Grace Nichols scored a goal to give the Pipers a 1-0 lead.  Nichols fired from outside the box on the right wing and snuck it past Granland for her first goal of the season.

The score remained 1-0 into halftime, as neither team could mount a scoring opportunity for the remainder of the half.  Hamline held a shot advantage of 4-0 in the half.

Less than a minute and a half into the second 45 minutes, the Pipers had their second goal of the contest.  Malya Hirshkowitz took a free kick outside the box on the left wing and buried it in the back of the net to put Hamline on top 2-0.

The Pipers struck again 15 minutes later when Brienne Garside got a look in front of the net.  Garside put it away to extend the Hamline lead to 3-0 before senior defender Leah Brossoit (Rochester, Minn.) got the Gusties on the scoreboard.

Brossoit sent a corner kick into the box, where it found its way across the goal line to bring the score to 3-1.  It was Brossoit’s first goal of the season and just the second of her career.  Leah’s other goal came in the second match of her collegiate career on Sept. 4, 2010.

Following Brossoit’s goal in the 85th minute, Hamline’s Alyssa Koulentis put the finishing touches on the win for the Pipers with a goal in the 89th minute.  Koulentis’s second goal of the season put Hamline on top for good in the three-goal victory.

Although the two teams had identical shot counts in the second half (4), it was Hamline that took advantage of its opportunities the most.  The Pipers connected on three of their four tries (.750) in the final frame to push on for the win.

Gustavus’s Roisen Granlund was given the loss after allowing three goals and making two saves in 66:17 of play.  She was replaced by Caroline Olson (Jr., York, Pa.) midway through the second half.  Olson allowed one goal in 23:43 in net.  Hamline’s Erin 

Senior Tribute

Six Splendid Seniors

It is hard to imagine this Gustavus Women's Soccer team without the six seniors that provide it with so much life, personality and drive.  They bring flair, drive, competitive spirit and a whole lot of laughs to this team.  They have help been instrumental in beginning the turn around of this program and will continue to be major influences from the sidelines.  In their last week of current players, before they turn into alumnae, we honor and thank each of them for all they have done for the program in their tenure and know their legacies will live on in the stories Coach will tell for years to come and memories and impressions they left on and off the soccer field with each and every member of the team.

Children of the corn after a recovery run.

Ana Gleason #5 - Upon joining the team last season, Ana Gleason made her presence felt immediately on the Gustavus back line.  Ana played in 15 games in her first season as a Gustie, adding 14 games played this season, Ana has played in a total of 29 games.  She has been a work horse in the defense, known for marking tight and being a feisty battler, she has shut down some of the top attackers in both the MIAC and the region.  She bring grit, guts and her never give-up attitude to the Gusties.  Her force in the back line and at practice will be greatly missed.

Estee Berg #8, Captain - A model of consistency, Estee Berg has been a staple of the Gustavus defense since arriving in St. Peter in 2010.  Berg, a product of Stillwater, Minnesota, has played in all 66 games of her career, including 60 starts.  Over the past four years, Estee has started 59 consecutive games, a streak that began just seven games into her rookie season.  A tireless worker and coachable player, she has brought fire and life to the Gusties.  Her laugh is contagious, which you often hear after Coach jokes she got a "defender nosebleed" when she rockets a shot over the net, or casually dribbles the ball out of bounds.  She more than makes up for those moments with her 1v1 defending and he chaos she creates with her overlapping runs.

Amanda Cartony #9, Captain - One of the top goal scorers in the history of the Gustavus women’s soccer program, Amanda Cartony has left her mark in the Gustavus record books.  A native of Stillwater, Minnesota, Amanda has scored 25 goals to go along with 10 assists for 60 points in her career.  Her 25 goals rank ninth on the all-time list at Gustavus, while her 60 points rank 10th.  Cartony has also played in every game of her career, starting in 65 of 66 games.  Cartony is competitive in every thing she does, which translates to a hard work rate and a boost for the entire team.   She never goes down without a fight, and rarely goes down (as in losing) at all.  However, she can frequently be found on the ground in practice or games, in the most awkward positions.  Her drive and competitive spirit has left its mark on the entire team and the program. 

Leah Brossoit #13 - A versatile defender, Leah Brossoit has played in all but five games wearing a Gustie uniform.  A native of Rochester, Minnesota, Leah has played in 61 career games, scoring one goal and adding seven assists for a total of nine points from her position on the back line.  She is a stalwart defender, shutting down players 1v1 on a constant basis.  Her free kicks and corners are the most dangerous, taking nearly all in her final two seasons.  She bring "not so happy feet" to our daily dynamic warm-up, but just ask her... she's never been hurt!

Liz Underwood #21, Captain - A consistent contributor in the midfield, Liz Underwood has missed just one game in her four years donning the three crowns.  Underwood, a native of Fergus Falls, Minnesota, has played in 65 career games, including a current streak of 62 consecutive games.  During her tenure in St. Peter, Liz has scored four goals for a total of eight points.  She is consistent and reliable, and from her stats, rarely on the field for a goal scored in the run of play.  Spunky and hardworking, her voice is the most prominent on the field.  She fires up the team by example and vocally on a daily basis, her encouraging words and demeanor have been consistent and unparalleled throughout her time.

Emily Papagapitos #24 - Emerging as a full time starter this season, Emily Papagapitos has played in 53 career games wearing the black and gold.  A native of Maplewood, Minnesota, Emily has steadily improved over her four years, seeing increased playing time each season.  Currently, Papagapitos has played in 20 straight games.  Her many laughs are contagious, and her "grandma-like" falls have become epic and unforgettable.  She is fiery and dramatic, which all add to the grandeur of  Emily and solidify her place on this team and in our hearts.

We honored them each on Wednesday evening after our final home game with a few fun gifts given by their team members.

Ana receives one of her gifts.

Estee exclaimed "OH NO, I KNOW WHAT THAT IS!" when
Karlye came up with a rolled up poster.

Hilarious gag gifts.

The famous "Grandma face" photo enlarged to
nearly life size!

Seniors encouraged the team to dress up for Halloween!