One of the many appealing aspects of
being a DIII athlete is the emphasis on being a student-athlete. Here at Gustavus, the Women’s Soccer Team
stresses school comes first, while still showing great dedication to the sport
and the team. Being a Gustie soccer
player means being passionate about the game, driven to succeed on and off the
field, and pushing yourself and others to the next level –all while making the
best memories and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Being part of this team has shaped our
lives in many ways. We have become young
women who bring hard work and laughter together to be successful. From organizing extra drills/practices
outside of scheduled practice time to dancing to a little R. Kelley in the
locker room on game day, we have created team chemistry and a drive for
greatness unlike any other team. We are
growing into a strong force to be reckoned with.
Along this road, we have created fun activities
and challenges for our teammates to keep the competitive edge and motivation
stirring. A personal favorite has been
the weight room photo contest challenge –teammates submit pictures of other
teammates in the weight room mid action –where many funny faces are made! For
example…
Besides the soccer related activities,
our team stays well connected throughout the rest of the school year too. We tie together our academic events and
friendships to get the full Gustie Experience. See below for a taste of our life as a Gustie:
We play dress up at practice one day of the year:
We play dress up at practice one day of the year:
Stay up all night walking for Relay
For Life, participating in zumba, minute-to-win-it games, playing Cards Against
Humanity, coloring, and the fun goes on...
Volunteer over spring break with our
college’s chapter of Habitat for Humanity, traveling to different states to
help those in poverty better their living conditions.
And just team bonding and hanging out
with each other off the field in general, whether it be taking road trips,
going out to eat, or just hanging out in the dorms we have become teammates and
friends for life!
From meeting each other for the first time to months later:
From meeting each other for the first time to months later:
To supporting our super successful Gustavus Hockey programs:
and even a Spring Break trip to Chicago!
We head to Spain with Coach for a J-Term class:
And get decked out to cheer on the Wild:
Sometimes we just take a day trip to an apple orchard...
All in all, there is nothing ordinary about being a GUSTIE. So come be extraordinary with us.
- Jana Elliott '17
