Kendyl Landeck, Selected as Member of St. Lucia Court!

Gustavus Women's Soccer is extremely proud to announce that our own Kendyl Landeck has been selected as a member of the St. Lucia Court for this year's annual Festival of St. Lucia.  This is a tremendous honor to be selected to the St. Lucia court and we couldn't be happier for Kendyl!

Kendyl is a native of Moscow, Idaho. As a sophomore, Kendyl is studying Sociology and Anthropology, in addition to numerous extracurricular activities here on campus including the Gustavus Choir while being a member of the soccer team. Kendyl is an integral member of our team who has unfortunately suffered tragic injuries that would keep most from ever trying to compete again, but through Kendyl's hard work, optimism, and refusal to let her injuries get the best of her, she is flying through rehabilitation with a burning fire get back out onto the soccer field as soon as she can.  Kendyl is the positive force that keeps this team moving forward, never letting anything get in her or the team's way of making improvements and staying on the track to achieve our goals every day.  Regardless of what's going on around her, Kendyl is always the first person up to cheer her teammates on, to the point of regularly losing her voice.  She's never afraid to speak up for what she thinks is right and is the epitome of everything a coach, teammate and professors looks for in a player and student here at Gustavus.

The Festival of St. Lucia is a very strong tradition here at Gustavus, as we like to celebrate our Swedish heritage while at the same time recognizing those on campus who regularly exhibit glowing kindness, dedication, hard work, compassion, and exemplary academic achievements.  The Festival of St. Lucia begins the Christmas Season in Swedish custom and is traditionally held on December 13th (this year's festival at Gustavus will be held on December 11th).  On this day in Sweden, the eldest daughter of the family plays the role of St. Lucia by preparing and serving various baked goods and coffee to her family at sunrise. Wearing a crown of lighted candles, Lucia represents the return of light that will end the long winter nights and serves as a symbol of hope and peace for the Christmas season.  At Gustavus, the St. Lucia Court traditionally sings carols in the residence halls during the early morning hours on the day of the crowning. Lucia is chosen through a campus community vote, which will take place online December 2-5.

Other members of this year's court are Sarah Barnes from Prior Lake, MN, Rachel Hain from Roseville, MN, Janet Jennings from Inglewood, CA, Sharon Singh from Rochester, MN, and Laura Swenson from Eagan, MN. The St. Lucia court is chosen based on courageous leadership, strength of character, service to others, and compassion.  This is a very big honor for Kendyl and we're incredibly proud to have such an outstanding girl in our program.