Gleason Reflects on Stellar Career

AMES, Iowa?Arguably the top goalkeeper in Iowa State soccer history will don the Cyclone goalkeeping kit for the final time Friday at Nebraska, but for Ann Gleason the enduring memories far outweigh the emotions of knowing her career is rapidly coming to a close.

While playing soccer for ISU has clearly made its mark on the Stillwater, Minn., native, Gleason has made an impact on the Cyclone soccer program. Gleason ranks first all-time in program history in career wins (26), shutouts (16) and saves (398). Furthermore, Gleason boasts the top season marks in save percentage (.864) and goals-against average (.890), both from her 2007 campaign.

For Gleason the records are not what is important, as she holds dear the multiple memories made both on and off the field.

“This season, our wins over OSU and Texas were such great team efforts and we really had to battle the whole way through those games,” Gleason said. “I will definitely remember those two. Just our team playing well together and remembering the emotions of how great it feels to defeat teams like that.

“My sophomore year when we got to go to the Big 12 Championship was another time that sticks out. Going down to San Antonio to play Texas A&M and forcing it all the way to penalty kicks when we were the eight seed and they were the one seed in the tournament stands out. It was an exciting accomplishment at the time to force it to that point. I remember our team fighting hard and playing really well together. I thought I made a couple of good saves that game I will personally remember. Amanda Nimtz scored a goal toward the end to force overtime which was extremely exciting.

“Most of all, the memories of being with the team, doing team activities, all the bus trips, all the traveling and all the funny moments will stay with me for a long time. Just being around these people, they really become your family.”

While Gleason is proud of what she has been a part of the past four seasons at Iowa State, she has come to grips with her career clock slowly making its final ticks.

“I knew it was coming, but it is hard to believe it is actually here,” Gleason said. “I hope we go out on a good note. I want us to play hard. I want us to enjoy the game because we all play because we love the sport. I feel like it is probably going to get a little emotional afterwards. I've put a lot of time and effort into the program. It is going to be sad not to be able to see these girls every day, practice, work hard and compete with them any more. I've made a lot of good memories and it's going to be sad knowing it's all over.”

Gleason's efforts while at Iowa State have extended far beyond the soccer field, as she has a 3.95 cumulative grade-point average, while majoring in chemical engineering. Gleason is a two-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 and ESPN the Magazine Academic All-District VII recipient.

For Gleason, all the work put in for the soccer team and in the classroom was clearly worthwhile.

“It's a lot of hard work and at times you might question why you do it,” Gleason said. “In the end, looking back on it, it is worth every minute. It is worth all the sweat, all the time and all the 6 a.m. workouts. Those little things pay off, and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. The experience is something I will always remember and be proud of. If I have kids some day I can tell them I played Division I soccer and not a lot of people can say that.”

Players Mentioned

Ann Gleason

Ann Gleason

Amanda Nimtz

Amanda Nimtz

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