Here is our Top 10 Reasons Gustie Soccer is the greatest. We had a long list of reasons to choose from, but these are our top ten. Note: they are in no specific order! ... maybe that will be a future blog post. Enjoy!
1.
Sense of Family. The strong bonds and connections between players last for years beyond their time here at Gustavus. Everybody involved in the program immediately becomes part of the Gustie soccer family that remains strong through weekly in-season team bonding activities, team volunteering events, and consistent alumnae games and events.
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| Pasta Dinner at the Seniors House |
2.
Gustie Tradition. The Gustavus soccer program has historically been one of a winning tradition and every season the program pushes to continue that tradition of competitively pushing for conference excellence. It is through our very skillful style of play, utilizing a quick paced "Gustie Tempo" in our possession throughout the field, that we are able to continue this tradition of excellence.
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| Always training at a high level |
3.
Coaching Staff. Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie heads into her fourth year at Gustavus after gaining coaching experience at two very successful programs: University of Redlands in Redlands, CA and Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA. During her playing career, Burnett-Kurie enjoyed NSCAA All-American honors at William Smith College as well as reaching the 100 point milestone with 42 goals and 18 assists during her career.
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| Head Coach Laura Burnett-Kurie |
4.
Facilities. Gustavus offers some of the top facilities in the region, providing three and a half full size training fields on campus, in addition to a professionally dimensioned soccer-specific grass field right in the heart of campus. The Gustavus sports facilities also offers a turf football stadium, separate baseball and softball facilities, an indoor driving range golf space and 400m track. Indoors, Gustavus has a newly renovated volleyball and basketball court and weight room, on campus ice-hockey rink, which is transformed into indoor turf when the hockey rink is not in, racquetball courts, cardio section, "blue" which is used for futsal leagues in the off-season, and our beautiful indoor pool with hot tub and sauna. Oh, did we mention we have a state of the art dome for our indoor tennis facilities?
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| Soccer Game Field at Gustavus |
5.
Off-season Opportunities. Off-season training offers a number of great training options for athletes to utilize to continue improving strength, quickness, endurance, and skill. There are multiple TRX workouts each week in addition to agility training and circuits run by our four certified Strength and Conditioning Coaches. In addition to consistent intramural futsal leagues both in the fieldhouse as well as the hockey arena once artificial turf is laid provide opportunities throughout the winter and spring for our student-athletes.
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| Speed and Agility Sessions |
6.
Travel Opportunities. There are various opportunities to travel both domestically and internationally as a Gustie soccer player. Every 4 years the team travels for out of region exhibition matches, such as our most recent trip to Gettysburg, PA. There are also international opportunities every 3 years to travel as a team during our January term, to spend time abroad touring and participating in international matches. In the past, the class has traveled to Italy and Spain; next up: Greece in 2017.
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| Team at National Mall, Washington DC |
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| Camp Nou visit during J-Term Trip to Spain |
7. Competitiveness. The MIAC is currently rated as the 4th most difficult and competitive conference in the country, meaning every game is a tight battle and the high level of play doesn't stop there. With the addition of our non-conference matches, the Gustavus schedule ranks one of the highest strengths of schedule in the region, ensuring the team will be facing the highest level of competition.
8.
Supportive Fan Base. Having numerous alumni and family nearby and abroad, there are consistently high turnouts for Gustie soccer matches, whether at home or away. The support of our fans and families is unmatched, as they endure any trip or weather to cheer the girls on, in addition to providing fantastic post-game meals and tailgates for the players and supporters to all relax and enjoy their time together.
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| Tailgate at the Smith's after the Eau Claire Game |
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| Post Game Tailgate with Family and Friends |
9. Strong Education. Gustavus offers a top notch liberal arts education, ranking 64th of the nation's best liberal arts colleges. It's sense of community and location in Saint Peter, MN allows for the development of strong relationships not only within the student body, but also with faculty as Gustavus offers a very strong student/faculty ratio, boasting one faculty member for every eleven students.
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| Kendyl Landeck during St. Lucia Ceremony celebrating five sophomore women chosen for leadership, service to the College and others, charity, kindness and thoughtfullness |
10.
Alumnae Support. One thing Gustavus is extremely proud of is its strong support by alumnae, both academically and athletically. Gustavus alumnae are continuously excited to support current students in any way, shape, or form. This means both helping in both educational manners as well as looking for any times to come out and support our Gustie soccer players.
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| Group Shot from Alumnae Game, May 2015 |
The list goes on and on, but these are our top ten. Is your top ten different? Let us know!
