After transferring from Carson-Newman College, an NCAA Division II school in Jefferson City, Tenn., Gustin has made an impact at Capital University, a Division III school in Columbus. Crusaders women's soccer coach Dwight Burgess originally recruited Gustin when she played at Springboro.
"We were lucky because Kellie's club teammates play here, so that gave her some insight into our program and what we're all about," said Burgess, who has ushered the Crusaders to two straight NCAA appearances.
Those club teammates are Linley Vermillion (Northmont), Laura Shields and Molly Sheils (both from Centerville). They all played together in the Ohio Galaxies program.
Gustin excels as midfielder and also sees action as a forward. She has three goals and an assist in the early stages of the season.
"Basically, I transferred because I would be closer to home," Gustin said. "I was not necessarily happy down there, (at Carson-Newman). Coach Burgess has so much talent here, and he is a good motivator. I'm excited about my future.
"The biggest difference moving from Division II to D-III is the speed of the game," she continued. "The game is much quicker at the D-II level. I thought there would be a big difference, but the game here is as physical than it was at Carson-Newman."
Speed has always been her calling card as a player and that hasn't changed in college.
"She's tall (5-foot-8), athletic and has a lot of speed coming down the left flank, carrying (dribbling) the ball," Burgess said. "She has natural speed, but she also plays fast. That's a rare balance. She has a nose for the goal, playing a position that normally isn't known for scoring."
Burgess is working with Gustin to be more aggressive and "take the defender one-on-one straight inside instead of staying wide on the outside."
Said Gustin: "I'm becoming more offense-minded. I've always liked to attack and play aggressively. My main thing is assists. I'm not going to score that many goals."
Gustin still counts Springboro's girls soccer coach Eric Detmer as one of her biggest influences in the game and still communicates with him.
The current presidential race also intrigues Gustin, who is studying political science-pre-law at Capital. She will work the Franklin County polls on Election Day.
"I'm a John McCain supporter because I feel he has more experience than Obama, and his perspective on certain issues is what this country needs right now," Gustin said.
Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2478 or
rjackson@DaytonDailyNews.com.
This article was reprinted with permission of Ron Jackson, Dayton Daily News
Kellie Gustin (left), a junior from Springboro, is having an outstanding soccer season at Capital University in Columbus
