Kouzelos Adjusts to Working Out at Home in Ohio

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Three weeks ago the University of Louisville women's soccer team was departing for spring break. After eight weeks of classes and practice, the team was looking forward to spending time with family and friends. Little did they know that a few weeks later they would be missing those classes and practices.

While on break, the NCAA canceled all winter and spring NCAA Championships due to the concerns surrounding the widespread health risks associated with coronavirus (COVID-19). The next day, the University of Louisville, in conjunction with the Atlantic Coast Conference, suspended all athletic related activities, which included practice sessions.

Louisville goalkeeper Gabrielle Kouzelos was home with her family in Ohio hanging out with a friend and helping coach at the club she grew up playing at when she heard the news.

"The spring is always a big time for development for our team," said Kouzelos. "We take time to grow individually on and off the field, but also growing our team cohesion on the field. It's frustrating that practice has been canceled, but I understand it's what we need to do for the safety of all the athletes on campus."

Kouzelos, an All-ACC selection, helped lead the Cardinals to an impressive 2019 campaign which culminated in a second round NCAA Tournament appearance. The Cardinals lost five starters, leaving a big void on both defense and offense. Spring practice is usually when the Cardinals start to form their new shape for the upcoming fall season.

"The team was growing a lot during the spring," said Kouzelos. "We were expanding our knowledge of the game and how to make decisions or shape changes on the fly. People have been stepping up and filling really big roles. New leaders had started to emerge, and the team dynamic overall has been really good. Goalkeeper U was making big strides in reshaping and playing with the back line, getting stronger, and growing together as a group."

A natural leader on and off the field, Kouzelos is adjusting to a new way of working out and taking classes.

"It's hard to be away from your routine and the people you do it with everyday," said Kouzelos. "I definitely miss my teammates, a lot. They are a huge reason why I get up and train as hard as I do because they push me to be that best version of myself. I miss the community and the support of all my friends and the athletes. It's hard being away at a time when you are usually working very hard together with your team."

Although it will be more challenging to stay in shape and prepare for the season, she is taking it in stride and doing what she can to be ready for the fall season. Kouzelos started all 20 matches for the Cardinals, earning a 13-5-2 record, going 5-2-3 in conference play. She led the team to 10 shutouts along with 51 saves. Her 0.87 goals against average ranks second all-time in program history.

"It's definitely challenging staying in shape when you don't have a gym to workout in," Kouzelos said. "I have been doing a lot of body weight workouts and running. One day I even played basketball with my dad and turned it into a little workout. It helps having our strength coach, Caryn, sending us new ideas and resources to help us stay in shape during this time. I have definitely been running a lot."

With the future uncertain, Kouzelos plans to do all she can to be ready to play, whenever that day may be.

"I have been staying in contact with my teammates through texting, Snapchat, our group message, and FaceTime group calls," said Kouzelos. "A lot of our meetings have been held over FaceTime and that's a big way we have stayed in contact. Also, we have accountability groups that text each other every day to check in and make sure everyone is doing well!"

University of Louisville Athletics

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