BLOG 2: Bulldogs return experience on the soccer field

By Sandy Gholston

BIG RAPIDS – A wealth of experience returns for Ferris State University this season on the soccer field for head coach Neathan Gibson’s squad.

Ferris State University women's soccer goalkeeper Becci Houdek dives to stop a shot on goal. (Photo/Sandy Gholston)

The Bulldogs have eight returning starters this season led by three-year letterwinners Jackie Back, a tough defender, and Tammy Unsworth, a speedy forward. Back and Unsworth were All-GLIAC Second-Team performers in 2007. Unsworth finished with 10 goals and seven assists for 27 points while Back made her impact less with statistics and more with leadership, experience and toughness. Goalkeeper Kari Alsager and defender Stevie Salow are returning juniors. One-year returning letterwinners are Brandy Tarnowsky, who transferred in from Northern Illinois last season, along with Kristen March, a defender/midfielder; Julie Zilan, a defender, who transferred in from Livonia-based Schoolcraft College; and Chelsey Wagner, also a defender, who also is a transfer from Schoolcraft.

The Bulldogs have four other non-starters returning this season as the team works to compensate for the losses of Kristie Smilanich, a standout midfielder; Heather O'Keefe, steady forward; and solid midfielder Nicole Sawada.

Gibson is looking to integrate his long list of 14 newcomers in with his veterans. There are a couple of interesting notes. Bulldog standout basketball player Becci Houdek has joined the soccer team this year and looks solid in the net. Houdek, who was a top-notch high-school soccer standout, joins the team this fall as a goalkeeper. Also, Big Rapids native and former Crossroads Charter Academy star Rachel Thorne joins the squad as a forward.

If you have any questions, ideas or comments feel free to contact Sandy Gholston at sgholston2@netzero.com