Campton Nation! 

We are delighted to announce that we will be running a CUSC Alumni Spotlight every week throughout the soccer season.  These spotlights will give some insight to our former player's experiences in the youth game and also in the College game.

Our 1st issue will be on Gia Wahlberg. Gia played for Campton United her entire youth career where she earned the opportunity to go play NCAA DI soccer with Michigan State University. Gia is a leader, competitor and all-around fantastic person... please enjoy her words.

1- What's your experience like playing for Michigan State University?

My experience playing soccer at MSU has been a very fun yet challenging experience. Getting to know my teammates and coaches, traveling, and getting into the college atmosphere have been great, however, I have already learned a lot. The speed of play and physicality are on a much higher level than what I was used to so I have had to learn and adapt very quickly in order to be a good teammate and player in the college game.

2- How do you think Campton United helped you to get where you are now?

Playing for Campton for the entirety of my club soccer experience helped me a lot in terms of being a good teammate and person, being disciplined, and becoming a leader. Throughout my childhood at Campton, I made loads of great friends, made great connections with my coaches, and fortunately, played on a very successful team. I think much of the success that our team saw was due to the friendships and bonds between the girls. This has taught me now, as a college player, sister, friend, and student that in order to achieve success as a team, there needs to be a fantastic foundation between the players themselves and with the coaching staff. Push yourself to make new friends whether they are older, younger, or at a different level than you.  

3- What's your favorite moment from your time with Campton United?

My favorite moment that I have from my time at Campton United is the Christmas party hosted by the Majewski family every year. Although this moment has nothing to do with soccer itself, I will always remember the memories and laughs shared between myself and my teammates at this Christmas party. Every year we would do a different activity and whether we were decorating cupcakes, playing left, right, center, or decorating ornaments, the fact that we could all come together and be genuinely happy in each others presence makes me smile every time I think about it. 

4- What's has been your favorite moment so far at Michigan State University?

My favorite moment at MSU so far has been scoring my first collegiate goal. I have always thought about what this moment would feel like for me and now that it has happened, I wish I could go back in time and do it again! After seeing the ball go in the back of the net, in this case, the ball deflected off a defenders head, I couldn’t believe my eyes. The feeling of excitement and a little bit of relief overwhelmed me as my teammates swarmed and hugged me. I have a feeling that this moment and the feelings that go along with it will stay with me for a very long time.

5- What advise would you give to players who have the goal to play at the next level in College?

My advice for players looking to play in college would be to work harder than everyone around you. What I mean by this is to push yourself not only as a soccer player, but as a listener, student, teammate, and friend. For example, in a practice, make it a clear point that you want to be the hardest worker. Be the first in line in all the drills, don’t mess around with your teammates during instruction, and give yourself incentives, like scoring goals, stopping the offense, and making good passes as you go. Also, remember that there are tons of girls just like you who dream of becoming a collegiate soccer player so think about how you can set yourself apart. Coaches will often times look at how you interact with your teammates on the field. In other words, are you shaking your head because your teammate missed an open shot or are you telling her that she will get the next one? Thank you Campton United SC for the great memories!