The experience of a soccer player at Macalester extends well beyond the lines of the soccer field. As our student-athletes begin their spring semester, we wanted to share their other passions.

Our first profile is senior Jacqueline Kutvirt (Albuquerque, N.M. / Sandia Prepatory). Jacque is a Geology major with minors in Geography and Environmental Studies. In December 2010, Kutvirt attended the annual American Geophysical Union in San Francisco where she spent a week learning the latest climate science and geophysical research. In addition, she presented her research from her senior thesis-a study of 7000 years of past climate, specifically forest fire history and aridity, in the mountains of Glacier National Park, Montana.

What's next for Jacque?

“After graduation I am going realize my dream of bike touring around the Great Lakes with four of my best friends (including two other women's soccer players) in an effort to promote regional pride and ecological awareness. When I return, I would like to work in Environmental Education.

“As a Macalester soccer player, I learned the importance and power of working together with a strong group of women. In this case, our goal was to be the best soccer team we could be, but ultimately, as I move on in life, I will always remember and value the potential of putting minds and bodies together to accomplish goals.

"It inspires me as I currently work with a smaller group of women to put our minds together and establish ourselves as we prepare to circle the Great Lakes by bicycle in efforts to document sustainability efforts, learn about ecological awareness, and celebrate Great Lakes region and communities. Beyond the never-ending fun I had as a Mac women's soccer player, I will continue to benefit from being a part of a team that has taught me this power of organization.”

More Macalester profiles