The year was 1995.  It was the first-ever women's soccer team at Viterbo.  There were 19 original players.  Four years later, only four of the original nineteen players remained on the team through their senior year.  Missy Slinde-Gordon was one of those pioneers and will forever be remembered as a trailblazer for the women's soccer program.

"Missy epitomizes everything that is right about athletics:  passion, energy, hard work and a relentless attitude to keep chasing your dream," commented former V-Hawk Coach Bruce Erickson.

Missy led by example from the start.  During her freshman season, Slinde-Gordon scored the first-ever goal in Viterbo women's soccer history in a 2-1 overtime win over Winona State University.  Her success continued to blossom as she scored a combined 21 goals and 11 assists over her final three seasons.

Slinde-Gordon finished her V-Hawk career being named Second Team All-Conference all four years as well as being named Academic All-Conference three times.  Slinde still ranks fifth in career goals (23), fifth in assists (11) and fifth in points 57.  For her success in the classroom and on the field, Slinde-Gordon was also named Viterbo Scholar-Athlete of the Year her senior season.

"When you are starting a program you want to recruit winners and Missy was indeed a winner," stated Coach Erickson.

Missy Slinde-Gordon - a great student, a great player, a trailblazer for V-Hawk women's soccer.