Kristina Gunusen '22 Recruiting Profile

Hi, my name is Kristina Gunusen and I am a rising senior at Jackson Liberty High School in New Jersey. I have been a starting varsity player the past three years of my high school experience and will continue to do so this year. I have always been vocal on/off the field and had a position of leadership with my team and will continue to do so, as I am now the captain for the 2021 season. Outside of high school, I have always played for high-level, competitive teams. I have played soccer since I was three. I played for Cedar Stars Academy from 6th-10th grade, and during my 11th grade year my team transferred over to Matchfit Academy, where I have been the captain for my team throughout these years. Since I am a younger 03, I have always played with girls a grade above me, which has helped me develop into the player I am today.  I’ve learned how to play and succeed through any challenge, whether it be the opposing player's strength or their footwork, playing against older girls has taught me how to play faster, stronger, and smarter. Since the girls on my Matchfit team were 2023 graduates, the team ended and I’ve tried out for new teams for my final year at club; I will now be playing on the PDA Wave ECNL team. 

Throughout my years of playing, I became a center back due to my ability to lead the team and my passion for defending; the feeling I get from stopping goals is what motivates me to work harder. The qualities I possess not only help my team win games defensively, but I can also set up my teammates to have the ball on the opposite third of the field. My ability to read plays helps me intercept passes and stop through balls, and my capability of playing a pass to feet while splitting lines of pressure aids in changning the point of attack. Because I am comfortable with the ball at my feet and can create goal scoring opportunities, I am able to also play center mid, which I do play for my highschool team. 

Academically, I am a hardworking and self-motivated individual. I finished my junior year with a 4.66 weighted GPA for each semester and my overall GPA is a 4.27 weighted. I have taken all honors courses since 6th grade and have taken an AP class and will be taking another one my senior year. I am also involved in National Honor Society, National Art Honor Society, Rho Kappa Honor Society, and participate in community service clubs such as Interact Club, Key Club, and the Peer Assistance Leadership Program.