2018 Season Reflection

As we reflect back on the season we can’t help but think of all of the great memories that were made on the field, but also off of the field. From traveling to California during preseason, getting chipotle for winning our first conference game, to hosting a 5k in the snow, it was a season to remember. As we send our 6 seniors off into the world, we asked them what their favorite memory of their senior season was.

Emily Skogseth reflects on the season with her favorite memory; “We were all at practice scrimmaging or playing a game to goal. Kylie Lamberty was going to shoot the ball and so she claims, that Chase Miller took the ball off of her foot right as she was about to shoot and whiffed it completely. It was not even how funny the fall was afterwards, but how loud the whiff was in the first place. The whole practice stopped as the entire team sat and laughed for a good 5 minutes.”  

Midfielder Chase Miller also reflected on this fantastic whiff of the ball expressing that her favorite memory was “helping Kylie fall.” She also expressed that all of the fun festivities we got to do in California during preseason including going whale watching, training at Chula Vista, and getting to travel with the team!

Kylie Lamberty’s favorite memory for some reason was not, her epic fall. On learning her fall was one of the best memories of the season she says, "Well I would just like to credit Chase with all the work she put into that whiff and really thank my teammates for the support."

Her actual favorite memory of the season was getting to host the team over for a potluck before our St. Thomas game. “We made pasta for everyone and had the team to our house. It was so fun to show them around and cook for everyone. We got to play fun games after and it was just a great night!”

Sally Morrows favorite memory came from a windy day at practice. Sally said "My favorite off the field memory was when Ava chased down Coach's practice plan for so long and fell twice while doing it. It was kind of a tense practice and that just made everything funny and less stressful. Thank you, Ava!" 

Trina Rinke's favorite memory was getting to visit Chula Vista. She said, "They had a game room with every game you could imagine. From board games, to ping pong, to the Wii. It was super fun to be able to all hangout and play all of the different games together. The trip itself was just so great and that was one of my favorite memories including beating Coach and everyone else at ping pong because I'm the master." I think First year Abby Goodno would say otherwise, but keep dreaming Trina!

#WhyGustavus Series: Reflection about the State Capitol

It’s not what you know it’s who you know. This saying is in reference to trying to get a job or further your career. Fortunately, for some Gusties the connections they made on their State Capitol trip will help them in the future. This amazing opportunity is talked about by Emily Severson so keep reading!

Gusties Visit State Capitol for Advocacy, Networking

Senior Emily Severson reflects on the annual Gustavus Day at the Capitol with the Minnesota Private College Council.

Gustavus students met with Senator Nick Frentz during the visit to the State Capitol.

Written by Emily Severson

It was hard not to smile as I stood on the third floor of the beautifully restored Minnesota State Capitol Building, in a room packed full of current and graduated Gusties of different ages and stages, all sitting and mingling, leaning in closer to hear one another over the bubbling conversations taking place all over the room. Everyone took turns sharing their stories — alumni recounting the types of jobs they had after graduation that led them to where they are today, and current students sharing their dreams and fears for the future. Each and every person at the 2018 Gustavus Adolphus College Day at the Capitol was different, but it was clear that our Gustavus experience united us more deeply than we could ever imagine.

The morning started out in eager anticipation for the full day that lay ahead. One by one, each student in their blazers, skirts and ties filed onto the bus and we left while the sun was rising to make it to the capitol. Vice President for Marketing and Communication Tim Kennedy bopped around the bus, stopping to connect with various groups of students and ask them about their expectations for the day. Some knew exactly what to expect because they had attended Day at the Capitol before, but the vast majority had never been to the Capitol, let alone to lobby for higher education and have individual meetings with their own legislators. The day became real when we exited off of 35E and I saw the beautiful dome of the Capitol standing strong, welcoming us and putting butterflies in my stomach.

There was no shortage of incredible and inspiring people who were making their lives count to talk to during the day. From meetings with the legislators in charge of our own district like John Considine, Clark Johnson, and Nick Frentz, all the way to a conversation in the Governor’s Reception Room with Linden Zakula ‘05 and Matt Swenson ‘06, who are both currently senior staffers for Governor Dayton. The entire room burst into laughter as Matt told us about his sophomore year when he sprinted down Old Main Hill as Gus the lion, covered in sweat and blood, and was told he had to keep his mascot head on because he was scaring the kids. It was clear that their Gustavus education meant the world to them, and they didn’t just stop when they left the Hill, but they brought their experience with them and continue to draw from their time on campus.

Gustavus President Rebecca Bergman meets with State Senator Mike Goggin ’85.

One of the most unique parts of the day is that each and every student gets a personal meeting scheduled with their senator and representative from their home district. How powerful it must be to these legislators to see students from their own constituencies make the drive all the way from Saint Peter up to the cities and share with them why the Minnesota State Grant Program is indispensable to students in Minnesota. Students shared their own stories, stories from their roommates, or stories of their friends who currently receive the grant, and how their college experience wouldn’t be the same without this help. The Minnesota State Grant is the only type of state aid that a student can take to any Minnesota college they want, private or public. As we sat with our senators and representatives in their offices (or, since they are so busy, caught them in the hall on the way to their committee meeting), we practiced and developed our own advocacy skills with the people who could really make a change.

The end of our afternoon concluded with my favorite part of the day: a networking event with some of the most incredible Gustie alumni who are working in the public sector. Some alumni were familiar faces to me, like Scott Croonquist ‘85 and Leslie Rosedahl ‘03, as they have been involved with Day at the Capitol for years now. But some alumni, like Clara Wicklund ‘16 and Paget Pengelly ‘16, had just graduated and were excited to share their own experience with current students. You could see the excitement in our eyes as we listened to Gusties who had lived in the same dorms and same professors as us, but are now in the real world (and even seem happy to be there!). Tim Kennedy said it best when he shared with our group the reason that he has stuck around Gustavus for so long: it’s the people like the Gusties we got to connect with at Day at the Capitol who really are making their lives count that make Gustavus the incredible place we know it to be.

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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication JJ Akin
jakin@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510

2nd Annual Team Trina Event

This season, we hosted our second annual Team Trina Charity Event. Last summer, rising junior Trina Rinke was diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer. After chemo and two surgeries during the Fall of 2017, Trina was deemed cancer free on October 19th and has been in remission since. As a team, we wanted to continue this event and raise money for a charity that was close to Trina's heart.

The charity that Trina chose was First Descents. First Descents is an organization that offers outdoor adventures for young adults who have been touched by cancer. On the organization and her experience Trina said, "It was truly a life changing experience meeting and getting to know the people I got connected with during my adventure. We got to learn how to kayak in Oregon while getting to talk through our experiences with cancer that a lot of people can not relate to."

We had a silent auction, t-shirts for sale, and a voluntary entry fee with all of the proceeds going to First Descents. The silent auction was such a success due to the kind donations that included drawings, t-shirts, and even a Gustie Football Umbrella. We are so lucky to have received the support we did for the silent auction and wanted to thank the coaches, parents, and community members who donated to this great organization.


This year, we hosted Nebraska Wesleyan on a beautiful sunny day. It was a great day and an even better turnout for our second annual Team Trina game. The atmosphere was invigorating  as we battled against a great opponent for our first home game of the season. We came away with a 1-0 victory with the goal coming from Sr. Emily Skogseth who chipped in a rebound in the 30th minute. Overall, it was a fantastic event honoring a great person and raising money for a cause that is very important to her. We want to thank everyone involved and the handwork that was put in to make this event such a success!

#WhyGustavus Series: We are the champions

Gustavus doesn’t mean to brag but we do hold a “best in Minnesota” placement. According to the New York Times College Access Index, Gustavus is ranked the best in Minnesota and #35 on the national list. If you are concerned about how you could possibly come to this school put those concerns away, Gustavus will do their best to help you make your dreams come true. 

Gustavus Best in Minnesota on The New York Times’ College Access Index

The third annual ranking looks at the commitment to economic diversity among the top colleges and universities in the country.

Gustavus ranks as the best college or university in Minnesota and #35 in the nation on The New York Times‘ College Access Index, which was released on Thursday, May 25. The third annual ranking looks at the commitment to economic diversity among the top colleges and universities in the country.

The rankings, which were limited to colleges and universities with a five-year graduation rate of over 75 percent, examined the percentage of students that receive a Federal Pell Grant and the graduation rate of those students. By multiplying those numbers, The New York Times calculated a “Pell Grad Share” that is combined with the average net price for middle-income students to determine each school’s College Access Index score. Scores above the average of 1.0 indicate the most institutional effort in ensuring economic diversity. Gustavus, with a Pell Grad Share of 21 and average net tuition for those students of approximately $17,000 per year, has an overall College Access Index of 1.16.

“At Gustavus, we’re committed to providing access and affordability to students from all walks of life,” Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Kirk Carlson said. “It’s important to note that this designation means that not only are Pell-eligible students encouraged to choose Gustavus, but that we work hard to ensure that they graduate on time and are well-prepared for professional life. I’d like to thank our faculty and staff for their commitment to supporting all of our talented students.”

Visit The New York Times website to learn more about the College Access Index and the methodology behind the rankings.

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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication JJ Akin
jakin@gustavus.edu
507-933-7510

On the Road: 2018-19 Recruiting Schedule

With the fall coming to a close, we are busy putting together our recruiting schedule through summer 2019! We are excited about the direction of our program and have made it a top priority to attend as many quality events as possible to find top recruits who will fit into our program. The tournaments and showcases we are planning on attending are below. Please let us know if you and your team will be attending any and send along your game schedules when they are released. Also, if you will be attending any we do not have listed, let us know so we can try to make it out!

Send your schedules to:
Head Coach: Laura Burnett-Kurie, lburnett@gustavus.edu
Assistant Coach: Benton Frayne, bfrayne@gustavus.edu

NOVEMBER: 

November 10-11th: National Sports Center Showcase, Blaine, MN 

November 16-18th: GSI Showcase, Overland Park, KS 

November 16-18th: Indianapolis College Showcase, Indianapolis, IN

November 30-December 2nd: Lou Fusz Winter Carnival, St. Louis, MO 

DECEMBER: 

December 8th: TBK Bank Sports Complex Combine, Bettendorf, IA 

JANUARY: 

January 4-6th: TBK Bank Sports Complex Combine, Bettendorf, IA 

January 18-20th: Shattuck Showcase, Faribault, MN 

January 18-20th: Sporting Omaha College Showcase, Omaha, NE 

January 26-27th: MTA Showcase, Academy of Holy Angels, MN  

January 26-27th: Eclipse Showcase, St. Paul, MN 

FEBRUARY:

February 8-10th: Shattuck Showcase, Faribault, MN 

February 15-17th: Elite 120 Showcase 

MARCH: 

March 16-18th: Players Showcase, Las Vegas, NV 

APRIL:

April 6-7th: NSC College Showcase Girls, Blaine, MN 

MAY:

May 12th, 18-19th: State Cup, Coon Rapids, MN 

May 3-5th: SC Waukesha's May Madness, Waukesha, WI 

May 4-5th: NSC Spring Cup, Blaine, MN 

May 25-26th: NSC Cup, Blaine, MN 

JUNE: 

June 7-9th: NSC All American Cup 

JULY:

July 12-14th: Schwans Weekend Tournament 

July 16-20th: Schwans Week Tournament 

July 25-28th: CSK Showcase 

Again, let us know which events you'll be attending so we can watch you play. We can't wait to receive your tournament schedules! 

Fourth Annual Run for Kicks 5k

Let it snow, let it snow, let it… snow?

Last Sunday, October 14th, we had our fourth annual 5k and our first snowfall of the year! Thank you Minnesota winters... 

This year, the race began at 10am in the Linneaus Arboretum. The snowy day made for the Arb to be especially beautiful as the trees and the trail were covered in snow. Each year our Run for Kicks 5k is one of our biggest fundraising events. It is something that our team looks forward to cheering on our runners and spend a great morning in the arb. As our runners ran, they were greeted not only by our wonderful players scattered along the course, but even some snowmen they made to celebrate the snowfall. (We voted and first year, Rachel Rehnelt, took home the gold for the best snowman.)

 

We had a great turnout from students, faculty, and people from the St. Peter community. Each year we have outstanding support from our Gustie community and family members who come out to run and walk the course. It is always a competitive event as this year we had members of the Gustavus men's tennis team competing in the race along with our assistant coach, Benton Frayne. They all ended up doing great, leading the pack and putting up some impressive times.  

This year, the race was timed by Running Ventures and was welcomed to both runners and walkers. Each participant received a custom t-shirt and post-race goodies including tooth brushes which were sponsored by Park Dental. Awesome, right?  

It was such a great event and we want to thank everyone who participated and who sponsored the event. If you missed out this year, make sure to look out next year so you too can join in on the fun!

Huge Thank you to our Sponsors!

Running Ventures

Tammy Meister Orthodontics

Lindahl Family Dental

Miles and Lisa Beacom

Hopkins Auto Body

Northland Recreation

Pavlish Consulting Co

Mike and Jodi Finstad

Kraus-Anderson Construction Co

Werner Insurance Agency

Tollos

Park Dental

Fusion Soccer Club

Skip Sturtz and Inc2Ink

Run and Fun