March 13, 2008
Anaheim, Ca - Kevin Guppy and Susie Mischenko, two prominent members of the Cal State Northridge men's and women's soccer teams, were honored Thursday morning by the Big West Conference for their outstanding work in the classroom as well as their achievements in athletics.
Guppy and Mischenko were among 18 conference student-athletes selected as 2008 Big West Conference Scholar-Athletes.
Guppy, a junior from Chino Hills, Calif., will graduate this year with a degree in Sociology (Criminal Justice) in the Fall of 2008..
"Cal State Northridge and the Matador men's soccer program are very proud of the accomplishments of Kevin Guppy," said head coach Terry Davila. "Kevin has represented the soccer program with class, dignity and integrity. He is the true definition of a student-athlete. As great an athlete he is on the field, he is even a better student off the field."
Guppy is considered one of the all-time great soccer players in CSUN history. Guppy is a three-year starter (goalkeeper), captain and team MVP in 2007. Guppy's team awards included Best Defensive Player and Newcomer of the Year.
Guppy's Big West honors included selection to three all-league teams (first team in 2005, honorable mention in 2006, second team in 2007), and Goalkeeper of the Year in 2005. Guppy led the Big West Conference in save percentage in 2005. Guppy also earned two Big West Player of the Week honors.
Guppy's athletic statistics read like a novel. Guppy anchored a Matador defense that allowed fewer goals over a three-year stretch than any Northridge team since 1985-87. Guppy owns school records in career shutouts (21.5), career wins (22), and single season shutouts (9.5, 2006 season). Guppy is second all-time in career saves (207) and career matches (60).
Guppy started every match in goal in his three-year career (2005-07), helped the Matadors to two NCAA tournament wins in 2005, and once went 457 straight minutes without allowing a goal.
Guppy's achievements in the classroom are even more impressive. Guppy, who has been on the Dean's List since 2005, will graduate with a 3.63 gpa and a degree in Sociology (Criminal Justice). Guppy has many goals aside from continuing his soccer career. The list includes pursuing a doctorate in British history, competing in the Olympics, coaching at the high school level, becoming a professional volleyball player, and eventually becoming a firefighter.
"Obviously, I would like to play professionally, but I also want to give back to the University," said Guppy.
Guppy, in addition to his athletic and academic endeavors, also is actively involved in the community. Guppy has spoken to many kids on the value of education, taught Taiko drumming at a local elementary school, and participated in the "Walk a Mile in Her Shoes", at the Valley Trauma Center to raise awareness of violence against women.
Mischenko, a senior from Arcadia, Calif., will graduate this spring with a degree in Kinesiology.
"Susie is not only a great soccer player but a great student as well," said CSUN head coach Keith West. "Her strong academics describe the person she is. She has won numerous academic awards while at Cal State Northridge, and she is always striving to be the best she can possibly be. She has definitely been a great ambassador for Matador women's soccer."
On the field, Mischenko was a four-year team captain (2004-07), and team MVP in 2006. Mischenko gained first team All-Big West honors during her junior and senior seasons, and is only the second player in school history to be named first team all-league twice.
Mischenko, a center midfielder and four-year letter winner, started all 73 games during her career, second-most in school history. Mischenko also ranks in the CSUN Top 10 in career points (30), career goals (12), and career shots (97). During her senior season, Mischenko led the team in goals (5).
Mischenko, who has compiled a 3.84 gpa, gained All-Big West academic honors twice (2006-07), was a member of CSUN's Dean List since her freshman year in 2004, and was a member of the Kinesiology Honor Roll since 2004. During her senior season, Mischenko was nominated for Academic All-American honors.
Mischenko's community work is outstanding. In 2002 and 2004, Mischenko helped built water systems in villages in need of fresh water in Thailand. In 2002, Mischenko helped build a church in Mexico. During the past two years, Mischenko taught soccer skills to elementary school children, in addition to stressing the value of an education to young people.
"I am thinking about pursuing a career in nursing," said Mischenko. "My mom and my grandmother were both nurses."
