 Megan Gongwer (right), midfielder for the Larks first women's soccer team, dribbles the ball ahead of several defenders. |
by Phil Richard
Even though Megan Gongwer will graduate from Hesston College in May with major questions about her calling in life, she’s glad she spent two years here, and played on the college’s first women’s soccer team.
Gongwer, from Goshen, Ind., was pleased when she learned late last spring that Hesston would play its inaugural season of women’s soccer in the fall with new coach Kurt Hostetler. “I was glad because I’ve always played soccer,” she said. “So it was sort of hard not playing soccer.” She said she’s been playing soccer since she was 8-10 years old.
“Participating in the women’s soccer team last fall made my ‘Hesston experience’ more enjoyable,” Gongwer said. “I thought we did pretty well for our first year.” The team finished with a 6-6 record.
In the first game, Gongwer, as midfielder, scored the historic first goal within the first three minutes. “I sprained my ankle the day before in practice,” she recalls. “But I begged Coach Hostetler to let me play a little while.”
“It was exciting to get some playing time and to get the first goal,” she said. She willingly sat out the rest of the game.
Gongwer was named to the All-Region VI second team (Division I, National Junior College Athletic Association) following the season, after compiling 11 goals and 3 assists. “I wasn’t expecting the award,” she said, “since this was our first season and Hesston is a small school. So I was really surprised.”
According to Gongwer, playing soccer for many years has taught her several things. “You learn to work as a team and trust others,” she explained. “You also develop relationships with other players, bond together, and make memories. Some friendships I made here at Hesston will last, as will the memories.”
Gongwer claims studying is easier during the season. “You know you have a time limit to study, do your homework, sleep, etc. So you put your mind to it. My grades were better and my school work got done a lot quicker.”
One reason she decided to attend Hesston was the spiritual aspect. “I wanted to practice my beliefs and take part in activities, like chapel,” she said. “Chapel has been good for me even when I don’t want to go. It helps me grow in my faith and beliefs.” She also attended Sunday morning worship at Hesston Mennonite Church.
She’s glad she came to Hesston. “I wouldn’t want to be at a big college,” she said. “I’ve had a good time with my friends, my roommates, and my mod.”
Gongwer has served on the Campus Activities Board (CAB) both years. The group meets weekly with CAB director Brent Brockmueller to plan student activities. “I’ve enjoyed planning and coordinating some events,” she said. One event she planned both years was a karaoke night at the Larks Nest, with Lincoln Perk in Hesston bringing coffee. “We’re trying to get the community to support student activities and to get students to go to these places.”
Gongwer was undecided about a major when she came to Hesston College, and she’ll leave, still seeking direction. She’s looking into service opportunities. “I’ve always wanted to do service. It will be a good break to contemplate what I want to do, get out into the world, and be more independent.”