SOCCER: From Laker To Bulldog, Nasturzio Adapts To Role As Assistant Coach

BIG RAPIDS - Kristina Nasturzio had a brilliant soccer career as a goalkeeper playing for a Grand Valley State University team that ranks as a perennial national powerhouse at the Division II level

After finishing her college soccer career (last fall), Nasturzio (pictured here, to the right, working with current FSU goalkeeper Kari Alsager, left) began her search for a new home from which she could pursue a master's degree in criminal justice.

Well, she didn't have to look too far.

Enter Ferris State University into consideration. Ferris had a hidden advantage over other potential suitors: current women's soccer head coach Neathan Gibson.

Nasturzio has had a player-coach relationship with Gibson. Now is in his fourth season as the head coach at Ferris, Gibson had the privilege of coaching Nasturzio through a mutual affiliation with the West Michigan Firewomen. So, we break it down: Nasturzio was looking for a graduate studies home and Gibson was seeking an opportunity to add a knowledgeable assistant to help coach his goalkeepers.

It's difficult to script it any better.

"I knew Neathan from the West Michigan Firewomen. I was looking for a school with a criminal justice program for graduate school," said, Nasturzio, who plans to pursue a career in criminal justice after finishing her master's studies at Ferris. "I knew Neathan very well and what kind of coach he was. So, when this opportunity came up it seemed like a really good fit for me and for Neathan."

Between now and the start of her career, Nasturzio has a lot to offer Ferris as an experienced and high-achieving player recruited to coach the Bulldogs' keepers.

As a student-athlete, Nasturzio was a Daktronics, Inc. All-America First-Team three (2006-08) straight seasons under current GVSU head coach Dave DiIanni. During her time playing for the Lakers, the program was the picture of success in Division II women's soccer.

How successful were they? Nasturzio's senior class finished 81-7-2 overall record. That's a pretty good record.

So, after that outstanding history competing for the rival Lakers, wasn't it a bit odd putting on Ferris' crimson and gold colors?

Nasturzio, who will be working with the keepers as well as involving herself in administrative duties (including recruiting), smiled.

"It was a little in the beginning, but I'm looking forward to this experience, working with Neathan and working with the players we have on our team," said Nasturzio, who graduated from Grand Valley with a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice. "It's going to be a little different for me to begin coaching and seeing the game and the player-coach relationship from a different viewpoint, but so far it has been good."