In Her Own Words: Sunny Huettner

My time at USD was one that I will never take for granted. Even after recently graduating it doesn’t feel like it’s really over. 

When I first arrived at USD, I was extremely nervous, I had known Alexis Mitchell from us growing up playing soccer together, but because I came in injured it was hard for me to form bonds with the team because I wasn’t around everyone as much as if I were playing. It was an easier transition for me when Michael was hired because when he arrived it was really my first time playing after my injury. 

The spring of my freshman year was a shock, I was expecting D1 soccer to be hardcore, but actually living it made it a reality. Being a student-athlete was a blessing in disguise, in high school I was always told how hard it is and all the struggles that can occur, but no one ever talked about the good that can come from it. 

It was amazing to see the growth and development of the program once Michael, Maddie Burdick, and Maddie Gaffney arrived. Each year our team got better and better and eventually clinched a spot in the Summit League Tournament. Although I wasn’t able to participate in the tournament game because of an injury, it was everything I had dreamed it would be and I feel lucky that I was able to travel with the team and support them from the sidelines.