SAINT PETER, Minn. - After serving as head coach of the Gustavus women's soccer program for the past 13 seasons, Laura Burnett-Kurie announced her resignation Tuesday after accepting the head coaching position at her alma mater, William Smith College (N.Y.).
"Speaking on behalf of the entire Gustavus athletics community, we'd like to thank 'BK' for her dedication and leadership to the women's soccer program over the past 13 years," said Athletic Director Tom Brown. "BK has built a tremendous culture and cares deeply about the student-athlete experience at Gustavus, which extends beyond graduation and resonates with our alumni. We are excited that she can share that same passion at her alma mater and wish her nothing but the best."
Burnett-Kurie took over the Gustie women's soccer program in 2012 and after a few lean years to start her tenure, she orchestrated the greatest turnaround in program history. After finishing the 2014 season 2-13-3, Burnett-Kurie and the 2015 Gusties took second place in the MIAC regular season and upset St. Thomas to win the MIAC playoff championship for the first time in program history. Burnett-Kurie earned MIAC Coach of the Year honors in 2015, finishing with a 13-7-1 overall record and an appearance in the NCAA tournament for the first time in 18 years.
"I am so thankful for the past 13 years leading the Gustavus women's soccer team," said Burnett-Kurie. "Being a part of this program and the Gustavus soccer family has pushed me to be the best person, coach, and leader I can be every single day."
Burnett-Kurie finishes her Gustavus coaching career with an overall record of 100-107-21. She is the second winningest coach in program history, behind her predecessor Mike Stehlik, who won 220 games in 22 seasons. Burnett-Kurie coached nine players who received 15 All-Conference honors, including 2015 MIAC Rookie of the Year and 2017 MIAC Player of the Year Ashley Becker, who also earned First Team All-America honors in 2017. Burnett-Kurie also coached six players who received nine All-Region honors.
Burnett-Kurie's leadership extended into the classroom as her teams routinely received academic awards, highlighted by earning the highest team GPA in Division III and second highest among all NCAA divisions for the 2023-24 academic year.
"Thank you to the entire Gustavus community," said Burnett-Kurie. "When I stepped onto campus for the first time in January 2012, I knew this was a special place and I have felt empowered by this community every day since.
"To all the alums, thank you for your unwavering support. From cheering us on from the sidelines, to donating to the program so we can provide an exemplary experience for our student-athletes, to sending in motivational videos while we were in playoff hunts. We have truly built an incredible alumnae network and family, and my hope is that it remains unwavering moving forward. To my current team, you know who you are and you are on the path for big things. Never forget you are capable of more than you think. Believe in yourself, believe in your teammates and show the world who you are as a team.
"This moment is bittersweet for me, but I know with the group of incredible young women we currently have in this program the future for Gustavus women's soccer is bright."
A national search for the next head coach of Gustavus women's soccer will begin immediately.