by Bea Peterson
NCAA Division II 2011 Coach of the Year Laurie Darling Gutheil was the guest speaker at the HFCS Girls Soccer banquet on Sunday, January 29. This year Gutheil coached her St. Rose women’s soccer team to the school’s first ever National Championship in Division 2. Their record was 24-1-1. She said her team was focused from day one.
[private]She commended the Hoosick Falls team for their State Championship and for being a NYS Scholar Athlete team. Their season record was 20-1-2.
She told them, “Judging from the video presentation, what you accomplished this year began when you were little kids.”
She said, “When you become a champion you have a responsibility. You should be role models.” She reminded them, “You live in a small community, and they all rallied around you. I remember in 1990 what our State Championship meant for me and for my town.” She added, “Your parents and your community inspired and motivated you. You have shown tremendous spirit. There is a family bond in your program which has made your ride all the more enjoyable.”
“Possible and impossible lies in determination; it lies within you,” Coach Gutheil said. “You were expected to give your best and to believe that mentality is important. It’s the power of what you have inside you. Always believe in what you are doing, believe in your goal, believe in yourself and in what you can do.”
She told the team that she believed she could make the soccer program at St. Rose something special. “You must set professional goals and ambitions in your mind.” She told them they always have the ability and they must use that ability. The effort they put into what they do makes a difference. “What you lack in one area, you can make up for in another area,” she told them. “If you don’t have the desire, you won’t fulfill your potential.”
She told them they were part of a very special program that has given them strength of character, the power to do what is right. “Your integrity will never fail you.”
“Working hard is important. Put in the effort, in the classroom or on the field. Resolve never ever to give up. Believe in yourself, your ability, your talent. Be true to your school, your family, your friends, and you will have tremendous success in college.”
“You have achieved a special, special honor and accomplishment. Enjoy it. But with it comes responsibility to your community.”
“You will be able to draw on your success this year for the rest of your life,” she told them.
2011 was the second time in three seasons that Coach Gutheil has been named Coach of the Year. The team has a record of 110-8-6 for the past five seasons and for the fifth straight year won the Northeast 10 Conference Tournament Championship. The St. Rose women’s soccer team made its ninth NCAA Tournament appearance in 10 years and reached the National semifinals for the fourth straight season. They have also earned the NCAA team Academic Award for 11 straight years.
Soccer Awards
At the banquet, HFCS Girls Soccer Coach Tom Husser presented the following awards: Rookie of the Year – Hannah Fricke, Most Improved – Allie Martin, Offense Award – Grace Delurey, Coaches Award – Emma Fricke and Alyssa Surdam,
Assistant Coaches Award – Liz Babson.
Defense Award – the whole defense allowed only 15 goals in 23 games. Hence the award was presented to Hannah Fricke, Emily Everard, Anna Restino, Alice Hayden and Liz Babson.
Grace Delurey, Alice Hayden, Maritza Gonzalez and Meg McKee were chosen All New York State Players.
Alice Hayden was selected NYS Class C Co-Player of the year.
Hoosick Falls Lady Panther Soccer Player of the Year was Meg McKee
Hoosick Falls Lady Panther JV Soccer Player of the Year was Katelyn Stowell
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