Oct. 6, 1999

By Kelly Hennessy
The Diamondback

COLLEGE PARK, Md. -- As a senior at Franklin High School in Reisterstown, Md., Terrapin sophomore Sara Gustafson wanted to explore new places.

Indiana University appeared to be her first choice when the soccer player visited there on a recruiting trip almost four years ago.

"I had a bunch of offers from schools around here, but I just wanted to get away," said Gustafson, who was recruited by, among other programs, Penn State, American and George Washington. "When I saw [Indiana] for the first time, I thought it would be a great place for me. I loved the area and atmosphere, [Bloomington] was the perfect college town. I had this feeling that I wanted to be there."

So Gustafson decided on Indiana, which advanced to the NCAA tournament last year for the first time in team history. But after a freshman season that saw little playing time, Gustafson took her game back home.

She now starts at forward for the Terps (3-7-1), who play at George Mason 4 p.m. today. Gustafson said she hasn't looked back.

"When I came here I instantly felt at ease with everything," Gustafson said. "Even though it was my first year on the team, everyone made me feel so welcome, and I said to myself, 'This is how I am supposed to be treated.'"

Gustafson said first-year Terp coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski made the transition smoother. Higgins-Cirovski, who coached George Washington from 1991-97, was one of Gustafson's top recruiters when she was in high school and worked with her in Maryland's Olympic Development Program.

"I was thrilled when I found out there was an opportunity for her to be coming here," Higgins-Cirovski said. "She is the kind of player that I love to train. She always works hard and makes playing fun."

Gustafson is part of a young offense this year for the Terps, who lost a big graduation class last season. She usually plays up front with senior Julie Nelson, who redshirted last season to recover from back surgery, and sometimes with freshmen Kim King and Valerie Lawrence. In 11 games, Gustafson has two goals and one assist for five points, ranking fifth on the team.

"She's strong enough to hold off players and has an intensity to get behind the defense," Higgins-Cirovski said.

Teammates said Gustafson provides an emotional spark.

"She has never been afraid to step up on the field and speak up off the field," senior tri-captain Jackie Mynarski said. "Her confidence and enthusiasm is something that we all feed off."

Gustafson said, "I have confidence in myself, and I know every person on that field believes in me, especially Shannon. I felt like my former coach had no faith in me, and it was really affecting my attitude towards soccer. Now that I am here, I have never loved playing the game more."