KATHARIN (Gustafson) ROTH
1986
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Cal Soccer accomplishments:
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Lair of Legends Inductee
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All American
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All Conference
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All Region
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Nominee for Cal Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Decade
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Team Captain
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Professional and Credentials:
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Physical Education Teacher K-12
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Teaching Credentials- Single Subject Physical Education, Multi-subject K-12
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National B Coaching License
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Club Soccer Coach – multiple boys and girls teams
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National Council on Strength and Fitness-Personal Certified Trainer
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Personal Accomplishments/ Interests:
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31 year wife of David and proud mom of two incredible young adults – Stella and Lucas
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Endurance running and racing
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Big Sur Marathon record holder (age group 21-25)
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Multiple 50k race wins
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Western States 100 Mile race participant
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Multi-Sport Enthusiast
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Snowshoeing, backpacking, camping, hiking, rafting, skiing, tennis and body surfing
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Loves to garden, travel, cook
Written By: Trudi Sharpsteen '85
Katharin Roth is yet another hugely deserving Lair of the Legend Hall of Famer, helping put Cal on the map as a dominant women’s soccer program and with her commitment to passing her love for sport to so many kids through her lifelong career in teaching physical education and coaching. Katharin remains a committed alumni with her love for the program and with so many of her lifelong friends being Cal soccer alumni. She remains an amazing athlete, an amazing person, an incredible mother, contributor to her community and steadfast friend to so many. She is dedicated to inspiring kids.She is one of my oldest friends and has touched my life with her friendship and kind heartedness in ways she cannot know – many, many others would say the same.
Katharin was a huge reason we made it to the Final Four, an All American, All Conference and All Region player, NCAA All Region Team and a nominee for the Cal Women’s Soccer Athlete of the Decade and was a Lair of the Legends Inductee in 2019 – one of her most proud accomplishments. She led us as a Team Captain with her passion for the sport and for competing. Katharin has her National B coaching license - coaching both boys and girls of all levels taking great pride in guiding them to the next level. She holds several teaching, coaching and physical training credentials – easy to get the sense that she is all about athletics and sport. Beyond being an incredibly talented soccer player, Katharin became a hugely accomplished runner after college still holding her age group record at the (very hilly – ugh) Big Sur Marathon which she ran in 2 hours 57 minutes. She also won quite a few 50ks and her dad joined her in running the Western States Century.Yes – her dad loved her that much!
Katharin’s experience at Cal was a rich contributor to her strong character, love for the sport and desire to pass it on. Katharin’s goal is to help students find the joys of physical activity, to learn and succeed in developing both fine and motor life skills, to understand and appreciate the connection between the mind and body, and to ultimately find a love for lifetime wellness. She sees Physical Education as the perfect venue to teach 21st century skills including collaboration, risk-taking, creative and critical thinking, communication, civic responsibility, and community involvement. She loves helping children - especially those who clearly haven’t had opportunities to learn about physical activity and sport – develop a love for sport and physical activity, and the “ah ha” moments in kids when they accomplish something athletically. She loves seeing the joy from kids who just love to play – just as she did.
Beyond Katharin’s incredible tangible accomplishments noted above, she would say that her greatest life achievement is raising two outstanding children – Stella and Lucas – with her husband David of 31 years. The Roth family is just a joy to be around and call friends. Stella and Lucas are delightful with an incredible moral compass and a civic mind towards community and others. Most of us alumni think of David as a great friend along with Katharin. They are a part of the Cal soccer family and lift us up. Katharin’s greatest assets from Cal Soccer are the best friends that she has made for life – she would say that the program and the sport provided the platform for much her life.
Her advice to upcoming Baby Bears is “don’t blink, be present”. Being a part of the program and team can be some of the most momentous and precious times of your life. We hope everyone can both take away amazing attributes, friends and life lessons and also contribute as Katharin has.
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LAURA SCHOTT
Written By: Brittany Kirk '02
“During her time at Cal, Laura set the standard for work ethic and discipline both on and off the field. She believed in the ability of Cal soccer to be a national championship contender, and challenged her teammates to approach each season with that same belief and attitude. Laura's fierce competitiveness was balanced by her often reserved, humble and thoughtful persona off the field - a combination that has made her an incredibly successful athlete, mentor, and coach. Laura remains highly regarded as a student-athlete and coach on the national level, and continues to inspire her players with her example.”
Katie Teekell
Laura was one of those players you knew was going to score. If you served a good ball into the box, Laura was going to flatten anyone who came between her and the ball and send a thundering header into the net. When Laura was running at the last defender one on one, you knew she was going to send a long dribble forward and use speed and strength to muscle right past. I'm sure I was walking and watching when I should have been sprinting up to support Laura, but that's because I knew she was going to score. It's such a blessing to have a born scorer like that on your team. And Laura was consistent about it.
Throughout every season and all four years we could (and did) count on Laura to score goals for us. That expectation brought pressure as did how highly touted Laura was when she came to Cal. I contrast it to my own experience where fewer accolades and lower expectations took pressure off and allowed me to play without fear. But if the pressure ever bothered Laura, she did not show it. Like all great scorers, her confidence and desire for the ball never waned. To be honest, that annoyed me at times. With the benefit of hindsight and reflection, it's obvious that Laura's confidence and aggressiveness were inextricably linked to her success.
Laura was not the loudest - her game did the talking. It took a lot of time to get to know Laura better and understand what made her tick. It was always evident that Laura had strong core values - she had a resolve that comes from being comfortable with one's self. While her character was invariably built by many people and experiences, I think most about how much the strong family she came from and how much she cared about them. Laura's conviction and her loyalty were and are as impressive as her tremendous goal scoring ability. Laura was central to Cal's program moving to a different level in the early 2000s, and I was very lucky to have her as a teammate.
2002-2005
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All time Cal leader in goals scored with 56
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No. 2 on Cal’s all-time lest with 128 total points
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Cal record tying 4 goals in a game vs James Madison in 2000
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2000 NSCAA All-America First Team
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3x Pac-10 first team selection (2000, 2001 & 2002)
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2000 Soccer America MVP
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2001 Soccer Buzz All-America Second Team
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2000 Soccer Buzz All-America First Team
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2001 CollegeSoccer.com All-America Second Team
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1999 All Pac-12 Second Team
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2000 NSCAA All-Region First Team
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2001 NSCAA All-Region Second Team
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2002 NSCAA All-Region Third Team
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2x Soccer Buzz All-West First Team (2001, 2000)
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1999 Soccer Buzz All-West Second Team
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2002 Soccer Buzz All-West Third Team
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WUSA title with Washington Freedom in 2003
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As head coach led Portland State to 4 Big Sky conference titles in her 9 years at the helm
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Trudi sharpsteen
1982-1985
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Soccer Career:
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Cal Soccer – All Conference, All Region, All American & Captain
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Olympic Sports Fest Participant
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WUSA San Diego Sprit
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Ajax Women’s Team – Multiple National Championships
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WPSL – Hall of Fame & Board Member
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Professional Career:
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Healthcare Consultant, Manager, Developer and Sales Representative
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Mercer – Partner
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Blue Shield – Strategy Officer
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Towers Watson – Senior Consultant
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Great-West Health Care/CIGNA – Vice President, National Accounts
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CIGNA – Regional Vice President
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Watson Wyatt Worldwide – Marketing and Business Development Manager
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Deloitte & Touche – Business Development Manager
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Prudential Health Care – Sales Manager
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Mass Mutual – Senior Sales Representative
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Dog Rescuer, Advocate & Savoir!
Written By: Ann Vasey ‘89
Trudi Sharpsteen’s drive, spirit and compassion are just a few characteristics that make her so deserving of being inducted into the Cal Women’s Soccer Lair of Legends. Her leadership and passion have touched many both on and off the field.
Trudi was hardworking and driven from an early age. She was the youngest of six, and there was no way she was going to be left behind! Like many others Trudi’s soccer career started in AYSO and progressed to club soccer with the PV Breakers/Fram under the guidance of the legendary Bill Merrell. Her fellow club teammates were Lair of Legends, Leslie Gallimore and Katharin Gustafson. Trudi captained Palos Verdes High School to a CIF Title, and as expected was named to the ALL-CIF and ALL Bay League Teams.
Trudi arrived at Cal in 1982 in the days when there were no scholarships.Her work ethic and leadership were recognized immediately. She would become one of Cal’s most prolific center midfielders of all time while balancing school and multiple jobs. Trudi captained the Bears in 1985 and 1986. She received All-American, All-Conference and All-Region awards during her years at Cal.
After Cal Trudi continued to play soccer and balance her business career at the highest level. She was not only a leader for teams but unselfishly took the time to grow the sport and mentor colleagues and teammates. Her leadership and drive continued after Cal where she led her semi-pro team, Ajax, to multiple National and Regional Titles. Her high level of fitness and skill created havoc on opposing teams as she would run them into the ground. It was not uncommon for Trudi to be doing extra fitness on her own after practices. Her work ethic was an inspiration to all. Trudi became a member of the WPSL Hall of Fame and served on the Board, where they worked to grow the league and provide a competitive forum for women to play post-college.
In 2001, at the age of 36, Trudi took a leap of faith to follow her passion and was invited to the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) combine to try out for the first ever U.S. based women’s professional league. She would make history as the oldest player drafted into the league, putting her career at Deloitte on hold. Trudi subsequently returned to the HR and Benefits field where she is now a Partner with Mercer – one of the three largest Human Resources consulting firms in the world – with health care as her focus. One of Trudi’s main areas of focus is growing and developing young professionals – it gives her great joy to help others reach their potential.
What sets Trudi apart from many is her character, love and friendship she has towards all those in her life. She is an amazing friend and soulmate who always has her door open to take care of others - from family, friends, strangers, work associates to fuzzy friends. She is an avid dog rescuer and mentor to many in her business – especially women. he will pick you up when you are down, make you laugh when you want to cry, and top your glass off when it is not quite dry! She and husband John enjoy being the glue that bring people together, opening their home to all.
Trudi is an inspiration and role model to all! She remains a huge fan of Cal Women’s Soccer, is a contributor to the program and a fan of the young women who carry on the tradition. She believes that the life lessons that we learn on the field bolster us through life – personally and professionally. GO BEARS!!!!
JENNIFER "JT" THOMAS
Written By: Katharin Gustafson Roth '86
There is no more deserving recipient of the Cal Women's Soccer Lair of Legend award than JT. JT personifies Cal Women's Soccer. She’s powerful, smart, confident, competitive, hardworking, passionate, caring, and fun as hell! She’s a teacher, coach, mentor, great friend and someone that many people want to emulate. Without JT’s involvement and leadership in the program for so many years, Cal Women’s Soccer would not be where it is now; a dominant, powerful women’s soccer program with arguably the strongest alumni network and connections of any soccer program in the country. As a Cal player, coach, and leader-of-all-things-alumni she is the glue that unifies and solidifies this program.
As a player at Cal, JT was the tenacious stopper of the dynamic defender duo in the old sweeper/stopper system with Lesle Gallimore from 1982-85. Together they were a force to be reckoned with and made defending look like fun as they crushed opponents and led our attack from the back. JT earned All-Conference honors in ‘82 and All-West Region honors in ‘85. I know this for certain, our team was grateful they were on OUR side and not the other team! In addition to her soccer accolades, JT was the Cal Women’s Soccer Athletic President and the Cal Student-Athlete of the Year in 1985.
As an assistant coach at Cal from 1998 to 2009, JT helped lead the Bears to many soccer honors but most importantly JT mentored hundreds of Cal Women’s Soccer players to become strong, intelligent, confident, independent women who are prepared to tackle anything in the world. She is an incredible role model and teaches life lessons in politics, women’s rights, human rights, and soccer. She has always been a passionate educator - by nature, education, and profession. JT has also impacted the lives of many young men as she has coached her son, Wyatt’s soccer teams since he was little and now he’s proudly carrying on the blue and gold tradition by joining the Cal Men’s Soccer program. Go Wyatt!
My favorite quality of JT is that she is an amazing friend. She is one of those friends everyone wants to know, be with, and be like. Having known her now for 38 years, I can say without hesitation that she is one of the most giving, caring, fun people I know. There is never a time she isn’t available for a chat, hike, run, ski, swim, travel adventure, go-to cocktail, or beer…and these things are done with her huge smile, loud laugh, and super positive energy. I feel lucky to have her in my life and to be one of the ladies from the 80’s who can call JT one of their besties!
Ruth Bader Ginsburg once said, “Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” This quality resides in JT’s DNA and we all are better people for knowing her and following her lead! RBG would be proud, JT!
ROLL ON YOU BEARS!
1982-1985
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UC Berkeley – BA Political Economies of Industrial Societies - 1982-‘86
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Cal Women’s Soccer: All-Western Region 1985, All-Conference 1982
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Cal Women’s Athletic Association President (WAA), 1985
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Conference Student-Athlete of the Year 1985
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Stanford University - MA Education/Social Studies Teaching Credential - 1991
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Punahou School – Teacher/Coach - 1992
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Incline High School – Athletic Director/Teacher/Coach – 1992-‘98
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Sierra Nevada College – Student Teacher Mentor & Guest Lecturer
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FC Incline Soccer Camp – Director
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Sierra Nevada Soccer Club – Coach
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Reno Rattlers Women’s Team – Player/Coach
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Cal Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach & Interim Head Coach, 1998-‘09
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USSF A License, 1998
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WUSA Commentator – Cyberays, 2001-‘04
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Olympic Development Program Coach
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UC Berkeley – College Admissions & Career Planning Certificate, 2009
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Maybeck High School College Counselor, 2009 - ‘19
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JTCC – Independent College Consultant for Student Athletes, 2020- present
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NACAC Student Athlete Advisory Committee
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TOVO Academy College Advisor
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Mavericks Soccer Club College Advisor
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Mavericks Soccer Club - U5-U19 Boys Soccer Coach, 2007-2020
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Maite Zabala
1997-2000
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3x Cal Captain (voted as a sophomore)
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Cal MVP (Junior and Senior year)
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All-Time Former Leader in Shutouts and Saves
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.900 Career GA Average over 6,295 mins of play at Cal
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All Pac-10 First Team (sophomore/junior)
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All Pac-10 (freshman/senior)
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WUSA – Atlanta Beat First Round Draft Pick
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WUSA – Philadelphia Charge
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WUSA – Carolina Courage
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Athletic Bilbao in Spanish Super Liga
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Cal Hall of Fame
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Cal Lair of Legends
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Cal Coach
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USSF A License
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USF Coach
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Boise State Coach
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Portland Coach
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Best Friend to Sam Wagner
Written By: Sam Wagner ‘01
The greatest legendary figures have origin stories. Maite is no exception:
Maite grew up watching soccer and Basque handball, a sport played by striking a hard ball with a bare hand. After an eventful day of watching both with her family, Maite’s younger sister picked up a handball and fired it directly at her elder sibling’s head. Maite’s self-preservation reflexes were triggered; using cat like reflexes, she mimicked a goalkeeper she had seen on the earlier televised Athletic Bilbao game and swatted the handball away preventing it from striking her between the eyes. Maite’s first save was her own life and a goalkeeping legend was born.
Maite arrived at Cal in 1997 and quickly established herself as a phenomenal goalkeeper, a great teammate, and friend to all. She solidified her status as a team “favorite” immediately. Sure, Maite made others look great during fitness tests, but the real source of her popularity was based in admiration. Her teammates quickly recognized Maite’s greatness both as a goalkeeper and a friend. The intense acrobatics and furrowed brow on the field gave way to a warm, kind, and fun-loving spirit away from the pitch. Maite was universally loved by her teammates and was a first-round draft pick whether playing pick-up or planning an adventure. The admiration of her teammate and her natural leadership skills earned Maite a captain’s arm band as a sophomore while her goalkeeping excellence broke records and garnered MVP honors.
Maite remained humble despite the accolades. Her teammates were less modest and reveled in celebrating her greatness. On September 22, 2000, Maite broke the career shutouts record and her Bears joyfully broke into song about their legendary goalkeeper nicknamed “Fingers.” Maite was mortified as her characteristic modesty made her shy of individual attention and “Fingers” was her least favorite nickname. But Maite’s modesty was no match for her teammates enthusiasm and “Fingers” couldn’t help but laugh at her teammates singing in chorus. Maite in goal was always an occasion worthy of song.
At the conclusion of her playing career at Cal, Maite continued to inspire as a Volunteer Assistant and later served as the Assistant Coach. Maite poured her heart and soul into the Cal Women’s Soccer program for over 10 years and it has benefited immensely. Like the legends before her and those that will follow, Maite changed the lives of the those around her in meaningful and lasting ways.
