STANFORD, Calif. – Stanford soccer alum Kristy Zurmuhlen (’12) returned to campus this past weekend and spent time at a familiar place – Laird Q. Cagan Stadium.
Zurmuhlen battled through a series of setbacks her first three years on The Farm and was rewarded for her resiliency with a dream senior season in 2011 that culminated with Stanford’s first national championship. She was one of the Cardinal’s grittiest players on the field, constantly fighting for 50-50 balls in the midfield, and was a key figure in Stanford’s championship run.
Zurmuhlen’s return this past weekend was for a different purpose, however, as she sat on the opposition’s bench as an assistant coach with Boston College.
Still, the nostalgia of being back on Stanford’s campus and under the lights of Cagan Stadium on a Friday night was undeniable.
She discussed her Stanford experience, the memories and friendships made, and the impact she hopes to have on her current players.
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How has it been being back on the Stanford campus the past couple days?
It’s definitely way more emotional than I thought it would be. I’m always so impressed with the campus, there’s always new stuff everywhere. Way more emotional being back on this field than I thought.
You have a lot of memories here at Cagan Stadium, what was it like being back on the field under the lights?
All of those good memories and good times came back. There were a couple old teammates here at the field as well, so it was great to see them. It’s hard not to feel excited when all you have is good memories on this field.
Did you get a chance to walk around campus? How was it?
Yes, I got to walk around (Thursday). I walked all around by myself just to take it all in and see the new buildings. It was great to see some old staff and friends – it was a good day.
What did you learn during your time here at Stanford that helped prepare you for coaching?
My time here and with the soccer program taught me to enjoy the journey and if you’re doing things that you’re passionate about, even if you don’t know what the exact end-game is, you’ll end up where you’re supposed to be.
You were a gritty player at Stanford and one of the hardest workers on the field. Is that hard-working mentality something you try to teach your players now?
Absolutely. The best feeling is when you work your butt off for something and realize that you can overcome adversity to accomplish goals.
When all of your work goes into something and you finally get what you’re working for – it’s the best feeing and changes your outlook on the way you look at yourself. I try to pass that on because I believe that’s what I have to offer as a coach.
Speaking of coaches, did you get a chance to talk with Coach Ratcliffe?
I did! I have so much respect for him and the effect he had on my life and my time at Stanford. I’m so grateful for him and the things he taught me and it was great to see him.
Anything else you’d like to add about your time at Stanford?
It feels so amazing to be back here. I've never had to work harder, both athletically and academically, than I did during my time at Stanford, and I am so thankful for that and for the experiences I had here.
This university challenges you. Your peers challenge you. Your coaches challenge you. You are faced with so much adversity during your time at this place, but you are also given all of the tools you need to succeed. When you prove to yourself that you can overcome adversity it changes the way you approach life and the way you see yourself.
I think that's one of the most valuable lessons this university teaches its graduates. You need to have the courage to fail and the courage to keep striving to allow yourself to grow as a person.
I have so much pride for this university and for this program. My experience at Stanford has shaped me in so many ways and it is something I will always be so grateful for.