STUDENT-ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Karoline Lundstrom and I am currently a Junior playing soccer on the women's SDSU team. I grew up in Alabama, but later moved all around the world including most of my childhood in Brussels, Belgium and Stockholm, Sweden. Ever since I saw my two older brothers playing soccer, I fell in love with it and never stopped. Although I originally did not plan to play soccer here at college, I quickly realized I missed the game and decided to walk-on to the team. I became SDSU Women’s soccer second-ever walk-on in program history. I have fallen in love with the sport once again, but also with all of San Diego. In my free-time I love surfing, being outdoors and discovering the city. It’s the perfect place for me to forward my career as a Business Student, being able to play the sport I love and being in an amazing environment.
What is your favorite highlight or memory from SDSU Soccer?
I recently got my first career start for the Aztecs. This is something I have been working relentlessly on my whole life, and to see it finally pay off was one of the most accomplishing feelings in the world. It made me realize how important hard-work is for the bigger picture.
What do you enjoy most about training with Coach Friesen?
One of Coach Mike’s best qualities is how committed he is to creating a great team environment. I find joy in every lift, practice, game and anything in between because of the team spirit that is brought into it. Every minute we play is for each other, it is truly like being in a family.
What are the difficulties you've faced as a full-time student-athlete?
A lot of people talk about the struggles of time commitment, although that is a big struggle, I would say the hardest part to adjust to is the mental side of it. Due to the large portion of your life that is devoted to the sport, it can become your life. Being able to separate my performance from my worth has become not only key to a happier self, but also largely improved my performance.
What does it mean to you to see packed stands at Sportsdeck?
Every fan who comes out to watch means the world to us. Playing under the lights surrounded by people who support us is the best feeling in the world, there is nothing quite like it. It can truly be the difference between a win and a loss.