SoccerWire is publishing Q&A articles with recently-committed players who have Featured Profiles in the SoccerWire Recruiting Directory. The series allows players to share their stories on the college recruiting process, travel and high school soccer, and their passion for the beautiful game.
In this edition we will showcase Kaitlyn Gustafson, who has committed to play NCAA Division III soccer in 2024 at McMurry. Gustafson plays travel soccer in the ECNL for Dallas Texans.
SoccerWire: What made you decide to verbally commit to McMurry?
Kaitlyn Gustafson: After my decommitment from SFA I wanted to make sure I took the time to find the best home for me. It was hard at first stress wise and because of how late I had restarted my recruitment process, but after talking to and meeting Coach Nobles I could tell McMurry was going to be my future home. The school environment as well as the team environment and chemistry helped make my decision easy and made me excited for college soccer again. I can’t wait for the next four years!
SW: What was the recruiting process like and what did you learn about yourself while going through it?
KG: When my recruitment process initially started in 2022 I was a completely different person compared to I am today. I was younger and didn’t know what to expect. Even then I took the time to get to know coaches and find a good fit for me, obviously that changed down the line with SFA and it ended up not working out there. After having been committed for so long, getting back out there and starting over again really taught me a lot. I have grown as a player and person since 2022, so I knew what I was looking for and learned that I was okay to be my own person and do what was best for me. My process has taught me a lot more about adversity and showed me that I am strong enough to handle it. I believe everything happens for a reason and that this has made me mentally stronger.
SW: How do you believe your skill set fits into their style of play?
KG: When I had my first conversation with Coach Nobles, we sat and talked soccer for the whole conversation learning each other’s views on the game and style of play. I am big on distribution out of the back either from my feet or hands. I focus on trying to get a counter attack started quickly and only going long when necessary. He had the same view on that along with other little things like communication and team bond, especially between the GK and back line. We felt that I would fit their program perfectly and I could help them grow even more.
SW: What are your favorite subjects in school and what do you think you would like to study in college?
KG: My favorite subjects have always been math, science, and english. My goal once my soccer career is over is to become a veterinarian, so I plan on studying biology at McMurry to be able to pursue that career path.
SW: Growing up, who was your favorite soccer player?
KG: As a little girl, my idol was Hope Solo. Her skill level and confidence helped guide me in the little things that I needed to do to keep improving as a keeper.
SW: Outside of soccer, what clubs, organizations, and/or jobs are you involved in?
KG: The main organization I am involved in is NHS [National Honors Society]. I do most of my volunteer work through the school helping when I can. The main things I have helped with are our kids soccer camps and giving freshman tours. I also help my teachers when they need it and plan on helping out at our middle school training the younger keepers there.
SW: What are your favorite pair of goalie gloves that you have ever owned?
KG: My favorite pair of gloves that I have ever owned have to be my current pair which are the West Coast Aero Alpha gloves. They are lightweight and thinner giving me a better feel of the ball. I have been using West Coast gloves for around eight or nine years and they have always held up great.
SW: What has your experience been like playing for the Dallas Texans this season?
KG: It has been great. When I first moved over to the Texans in 2021 after being with Solar for so long I was nervous, but my teammates and coaches took all of that away. The intensity of the training and level of play is amazing. My coaches have helped me grow as a player and helped get me to where I am today.
SW: If you could give one piece of advice to a younger player that wants to play as a goalkeeper what would it be?
KG: I have always been very hard on myself with any mistakes made throughout my entire soccer career. My parents and coaches have helped me learn that it is good to have high expectations for yourself, but you can’t let the little mistakes break you down. The biggest piece of advice I can give is to be mentally strong. It is hard as a young player to do that. Take the mistakes and adversity you face and learn from them. Once you are able to do that you will grow confidence in yourself and become a better player each time. The other thing is you can’t be scared to make mistakes. As a player if you are scared to mess up you will hit a wall of no improvement because you are not testing yourself and stepping out of your comfort zone. It’s a hard thing to do, but I know every young player can do it.
SW: Is there anyone that you would like to give a shoutout to who has helped you both on and off of the field?
KG: I would like to thank my parents for everything they have sacrificed for me by taking me to practice, games, and all of the tournaments along with always pushing me and supporting me through everything. I also want to thank all of my coaches and teammates for always advocating for me and pushing me to be the best player that I can be. Lastly I would like to thank God for guiding me through all the tough times and adversity that I have faced. I wouldn’t be where I am today without any of them.
