KUTZTOWN, PA (October 27, 2010) — There's a saying that your first impression is a lasting one. But that's not exactly true with the seniors of the Kutztown University women's soccer team.
If Kelly Bushe, Chelsea Deeter, Jen Pyne, and Jen Tice relied on first impressions to link them together for four years, that bond would have shattered like broken glass into a million pieces, exploded like dynamite, and melted like ice cream on a hot summer day.
“I was scared of Chelsea and I thought Jen Tice (Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional) was weird,” said Bushe. “We're all really close now, I love them all and I'm glad that we've stuck together so long.”
“Jen Pyne (Wall Township, N.J./Wall) wasn't my favorite and it was definitely mutually,” said Tice. “I'm pretty sure Kelly hated me. Now we are all best friends. These are the people you left everything on the field for; not to let down.”
“My first reaction to Jen Tice (Barnegat, N.J./Southern Regional) was that she was an odd character,” said Pyne . “For Kelly I didn't have a reaction and I was immediately intimidated by Chelsea.”
Laughter fills their minds whenever they think of their first encounter but after four long years of ups and downs, their friendship with each other is stronger than ever.
“We have made it through more than most people could ever imagine in four years together,” said Deeter.
During their careers, the foursome has helped Kutztown become nationally ranked, set a school record for wins last year with 15, record 13 shutouts in the 2009 season which is a program best, reach the NCAA Division II Atlantic Regional tournament, and lead KU to 48 wins.
They will be celebrated during a pre-game ceremony before Saturday's home finale against Mansfield University starting at 1 p.m.
“There are no words to describe this amazing group of student-athletes,” said head coach Erik Burstein. “They are the entire reason this program has experienced such great success over the past four years. Their commitment to this program, both on and off the field, has reinvented women's soccer at Kutztown University and they have transformed our program to one of the best in the country. Without their commitment and dedication we would not be where we are today.”
Over the summer the seniors couldn't stay away from each other too long. They partnered with teammates Carolynne Kahl, Laura Hearn, and Shannon Pennock to lead their Lakewood, NJ-based club team, Boca, to its second consecutive championship.
More importantly, this is Burstein's first recruiting class since he started in 2007.
“These remarkable young women have made me a better coach,” said Burstein.
Not only have the seniors been influential to Burstein and the program, but the group has learned many lessons from him as well, and applied them to their own lives.
“I have grown tremendously on and off the field,” said Deeter. “I walked on here and really debated if I would even be good enough to play Division II soccer. Coach Erik truly developed me into a very strong player not only physically but also mentally.”
“I have become so much more mature and know how to lead a group of people,” said Bushe. “I'm mentally tough as well and I respond much better when I make a mistake. Playing soccer here has helped me learn that nothing that is worthwhile is achieved easily. Luckily this is something I can use in life.”
“From my freshman year to now my coach changed me as a player completely,” said Pyne. “I learned how to play under all sorts of pressure, and I learned how to deal with criticism. I think in general I matured as both an adult and a player.”
“Without a doubt I've learned the game at a level I never dreamed of,” said Tice. “I've learned the true value of dedication, leadership, and responsibility.
But the ride hasn't been smooth for Tice, who tore her ACL during her freshman year. She tried to play through the pain in her sophomore and junior seasons but it got to a point where Tice knew she couldn't play anymore. This year, Tice is a student coach for the Golden Bears.
“I'm happy to still be here with the team,” said Tice. “I wouldn't have wanted my senior year to be any other way. Even though I'm not playing, I can still contribute and be a part of the team in some capacity.”
The idea that it's almost over for these talented young ladies brings a glimpse of sadness to the game they've all been playing for so long.
Whether wearing the Kutztown jersey, being team captains, sharing KU's competitive bond, or the personalities of team and being a family is their most prized memory, the seniors know that the future is calling.
“I want to make enough money to fill my closet with shoes by either working for a professional sports team or as a physical education teacher in a city school,” said Deeter.
“I don't ever want to stop playing,” said Bushe. “I have plans to go to graduate school for sports psychology.
“I plan to attend graduate school and become a sports physical therapist,” said Pyne.
“I want to play competitive soccer again at some point and do course research in the rainforest,” said Tice.
Although sports and soccer are in their futures, the present is the only thing on their minds. With only two games left in the regular season and playoff time swiftly approaching, the fantastic four know they have business to handle before their time at KU is over.
“I want to win, plain and simple,” said Pyne. “I never want my college soccer career to end.”
“We have to go big or go home,” said Tice. “I want us to make it to the final four.”
“I think we just reached our second wind in the season,” said Deeter. “We had a few games where we didn't play to our full potential but I think the best is yet to come. We are ready to play into December.”
“My main goal is to the keep the season going as long as possible,” said Bushe. “I don't want it to end.”
Senior day will celebrate the diligent time and efforts that these four seniors have contributed to the soccer program. Although the day will bring tears and many moments of reflections, it's a day to be proud and cherish forever. Athletically the seniors have helped shape and transform Kutztown into a respected, nationally ranked team.
"Although it is going to be very sad to see them play their final game in a Kutztown uniform, I could not be more proud of what they have accomplished,” said Bursetin. They set an entirely new standard for soccer at KU and the foundation they have built will last for many, many years to come."
Let's not only remember how they've helped the program, but remember how they've touched the lives of other teammates with their leadership, hard work, dedication, and how they've progressed into better people, ready to conquer whatever challenges life may bring.
--KU--
