By: by Mark Toma
KENNESAW, Ga. - Sunday afternoon will mark both a beginning and an end for the Kennesaw State soccer program. The grand opening of the state-of-the-art KSU Soccer Stadium will usher in the latest and most dynamic period of the Owls soccer history, but last Sunday, the program’s annual Alumni Game marked an end to a major part of the history of the Owls, as it was the final game played at the KSU Soccer Complex.
“While we are so excited about moving into the new stadium this fall,” said Kennesaw State head coach Rob King, “I can’t say that this old place doesn’t hold a great number of fine memories for myself and our program.”
Simple in its nature, the KSU Soccer Complex, complete with a looming oak tree in the corner, was an intimate, yet intimidating home for the Owls. During their eight years at their on-campus home, the Owls posted an amazing .900 winning percentage at home with 71-7-2 record. They hosted 17 postseason matches and were the home to over 40 all-conference performers.
The Owls never lost more than two games at home in a season and twice went undefeated, including a perfect 2007 campaign in which they won all 10 matches and in their first season when they finished with an 11-0-1 record. Over their eight years at the KSU Soccer Complex the Owls posted 48 shutouts and outscored their opponents by a whopping 308-49 margin.
As King walked across the well-manicured pitch that was overseen and often maintained by associate head coach Frank Pitt, he couldn’t help but smile as memories raced through his mind. Thoughts of matches, goals, saves and crowds brought glee to the only coach this program has ever known, but what sparked the most happiness were the players, coaches and friends that have all influenced his and his family's life.
“My children grew up here you could say,” commented King. “My wife, Val, would bring Rory and Chloe by the bench before the game and then immediately after the game. My mom and dad came to many games; my father even sat on the bench with me. My in-laws were here often and sat right there (pointing to the area next to the oak tree) under the tent.”
The understated, yet magical pitch played host to not only the national champion Owls, but also national teams and professional teams. It was visited by All-Americans, Olympians, National Team players and professional athletes - and those were just Kennesaw State players.
“The history of this field will always be remembered,” added King, who overlooked the surroundings from midfield. “I remember bringing Jenae Gzehoviak and Katrina Hirsch here when they had just signed with us and the field wasn’t lined, or for that matter wasn’t even much of anything.”
King and his staff really built the field and the program from the ground up, as he has been involved in every aspect of what is one of the best new programs in the country and now will move into a stadium that is called by most, the greatest-ever women’s only soccer facility in the world.
For one final time last Sunday, though, it was match day at the KSU Soccer Complex. The pitch was fittingly filled with former greats of the program and the current stars, each wearing Black and Gold and adding one final chapter to the beginning of the Kennesaw State soccer program.
The KSU Soccer Complex
Home Record | 71-7-2
Winning Percentage | .900
2009 | 8-2-0
2008 | 7-0-1
2007 | 10-0-0
2006 | 8-1-0
2005 | 5-2-0
2004 | 7-1-0
2003 | 15-1-0
2002 | 11-0-1
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| The Beginning |
Memorable Matches |
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| Remembering the Players |
Great Goals |
