Vitalis rewarded at elite soccer camp

Gwen Vitalis was named Most Valuable Player by the coaching staff at the Coerver Crush Soccer Camp, held last week in Northfield, on the campus of St.Olaf College. Nearly 100 players from around the region worked seven hours a day for four days with professional soccer coaches including University of South Dakota head coach Mandy Green, Winona State University assistant coach Bryan Ufheil, soccer pro and US National Team member Ella Masar and Edina girls head coach and camp coordinator Simon Whitehead. In awarding the top honor among participants, Simon Whitehead described Vitalis, saying she was, “The epitome of a Coerver camp work ethic; the hardest player on all levels in drills, skill work and games,” and described her as a pleasure to coach. Coach Ella Masar, USA National Team Player and soccer pro commented, “Gwen was one of our favorites to coach. Her work ethic, her heart and the joy she brings to everyone else around her is unmatched. Plus she’s just a great soccer player! There’s no reason why she should not play D1 soccer.” Vitalis had a standout 2011 season for the Chisago Lakes Wildcats setting scoring records including highest average goals scored per game, most hat tricks and most goals in a season with 30. She was selected NSC All Conference as the leading scorer in the North Suburban Conference and was leading scorer in Section 7A. In the Minnesota State High School League standings, she was ranked fifth in Minnesota in Class A and Class AA for total goals scored and ranked 12th in total assists. Vitalis is being sought for recruitment by Division I University of North Dakota and University of South Dakota as well as Division II Winona State University.