#WhyGustavus Series: Who Runs the World?

GIRLS SPORTS! That's who runs the world. (Naturally) But in all seriousness who doesn't want to learn and develop ideas of Girls and Women in Sports? The team - coach dynamic is very interesting and who better to tell us a little more about that then one of our own alum? We asked Nicole LaVoi five questions about her research and she provided some great insight on the subject!

Five Questions with Nicole LaVoi '91

Gustavus alumna Nicole LaVoi '91 gave a lecture on the current research on girls and women in sport 

Nicole LaVoi, PhD, a senior lecturer at the University of Minnesota and co-director of the Tucker Center for Research on Girls and Women in Sport, will present on the current state of female athletics and coaching at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 13 in Gustavus Adolphus College’s Nobel Hall Room 201. The event is free and open to the public.

Hosted by the Gustavus Department of Health and Exercise Science, the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies Program, and the Department of Philosophy with support from the Steve Wilkinson Endowed Professorship of Sport Ethics and Tennis, the lecture will feature research on girls and women in sport as well as context and reflections provided by LaVoi, a 1991 Gustavus graduate.

“Dr. LaVoi is a role model for what it means to use your scholarship for social change,” Gustavus health and exercise science and gender, women, and sexuality studies professor Hayley Russell said. “She’s a dynamic and engaging speaker who is a leading expert on girls and women in sport, and we’re excited to have her return to campus to share her knowledge and enthusiasm with the Gustavus community.”

Leading up to the lecture, LaVoi answered five questions about women in sport and her time at Gustavus…

Gustavus: What do you see as the greatest advances in women’s athletics in the past 20 years? What areas still need to be addressed?

Nicole LaVoi ’91, PhD

LaVoi: Women are playing sports in record numbers at every level, but the percentage of women coaches and media coverage of female athletes is disproportionate.

Gustavus: What is the current state of women in coaching in the United States? 

LaVoi: The percentage of women coaching women at the collegiate level is stagnant at around 40 percent, and women are still denied opportunity to coach men. Therefore most coaching jobs in college athletics go to men, and it is no better at other levels of competition.

Gustavus: Where would you like to see in women’s athletics 10 years from now? How do we make it happen?

LaVoi: I would LOVE to see 60-70 percent of women being coached by women! It happens with a LOT of collective effort to change the system and structure of athletics at every level.

Gustavus: How did your experience as a Gustavus student help prepare you for professional success?

LaVoi: It gave me a solid academic foundation, a great network, and provided me with caring and supportive mentors that I could rely on throughout my career.

Gustavus: Do you have any advice for current Gustavus students (or athletes)?

LaVoi: FOLLOW YOUR PASSION!

Visit the Gustavus website to learn more about the departments of health and exercise science, philosophy, or the Gender, Women, and Sexuality Studies Program.

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Media Contact: Director of Media Relations and Internal Communication JJ Akin

jakin@gustavus.edu

507-933-7510

Hi, I'm Zoe! 👋

Hi Everyone!

My name is Zoe Eth, and I am the new Grad Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach at Gustavus Adolphus College. I am so excited to get started for the Fall 2019 season. Coach and I are eagerly counting down the days until preseason (follow @gustiesoccer on instagram)!

A quick synopsis of my background: I grew up in the Boston area (about 30 minutes west of the city), and went to William Smith College for undergrad. William Smith might sound familiar, as coach also went there, AND we both wore #8! I studied Biology and Health Professions in college. During my soccer career, I played a couple positions, but settled in at holding midfield. I've always been a more defensive player, and love defensive tactics, so holding mid was a great fit. Although I loved my entire soccer experience, 2013 was definitely a highlight year, as we won the NCAA DIII National Championship. Post grad, I coached at William Smith for three years both as the Head JV coach, and an assistant with the Varsity Team, and worked in the Admissions Office. During my seven years at William Smith, the program has had a tremendous amount of success on the soccer field, here’s a quick run down:

Conference Tournament:
7 Liberty League Championships (2012-2018)

NCAA Tournament:
1 National Championship (2013)
3 Elite Eight Appearances (2015, 2016, 2018)
1 Third Round Appearance (2017)
2 Second Round Appearances (2012, 2014)

I started coaching during my junior season in college. About ⅔ of the way through that season, I tore my ACL for the third time. I worked with the coaches every day to find another way to make a positive impact on the team without being on the field. This turned into a student coaching role. After that first practice, in a coaching role, I knew this was what I wanted to pursue as a career and as my passion. After spending a total of 7 years at William Smith, it was time to take the next step forward, take on more responsibilities, and learn from another great program.

You might be asking, “Zoe, why Gustavus?” To answer, I want to explain one of the biggest takeaways from my former head coach (and hall of famer), Aliceann Wilber. Something I’ve heard Aliceann say countless times over the past 7 years is that, she is surrounded by great people, from staff, administration, student-athletes, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning coaches, field managers, etc. When I started looking for full time coaching positions, Aliceann’s message was constantly ringing through my ears. It wasn’t only the soccer piece to consider. Rather, will the people around you push you to your best and will you consistently challenge one another to improve.

When I visited Gustavus for the first time this past June, I met the team and various members of the athletic department. From those interactions, and an in depth Q & A with the team, it was clear that by working at Gustavus I would be surrounded by genuine, confident, driven, and selfless people. In the end, it made my decision to move to Minnesota extremely easy. Gustavus is a place to grow as teammate and person, where you’ll find support during failures, and a whole institution behind you to celebrate every win.

Here’s to the start of a new chapter and new season!
#AsOne #GustieSoccer

#WhyGustavus Series: Learn How To Become

So you’re looking for a good college. Where do you go? What websites? If you’re looking for #1 no need to look very hard. Gustavus holds that position on Learn How to Become. If liberal arts are you’re thing then Gustavus is the school for you!

Gustavus Best College in Minnesota on Learn How To Become List

With a composite score of 99.73, the College ranked first among four year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities in the state.

Gustavus Adolphus College has been named the best college or university in Minnesota for 2016-2017 according Learn How To Become’s annual rankings. With a composite score of 99.73, the College ranked first among four year public and private nonprofit colleges and universities in the state.

“We’re proud to be recognized among the top liberal arts colleges in Minnesota and the nation,” Assistant Vice President for Enrollment Kirk Carlson said. “Paired with visits to campus to meet professors, students, and staff, rankings can play a valuable role in helping students choose the college that’s the right fit.”

The organization’s rankings considered traditional college measures such as student/teacher ratio, graduation rate, and financial aid statistics along with outcome-based findings including median annual alumni earnings, availability of advising, placement, and employment services, and student loan default rates.

In addition to ranking first overall among the 32 Minnesota colleges and universities included, Gustavus also comes in fourth on the site’s list of Minnesota Colleges with Highest-Paid Alumni.

Learn How To Become is a website founded in 2013 whose mission is to help students understand what it takes to land their perfect career, from picking the right school all the way to climbing the company ladder.

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