Gustavus Women's Soccer: 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.