Carson Kowalski, WIAC Defensive Player Of The Week for Sept. 16-23, and the Blugolds had a busy week facing Luther College and the No. 8 ranked University of Chicago.
Kowalski shot on the goal and played all 90 minutes in a 3-3 decision against Luther on Sept. 18.
The honor given to Kowalski is a testament to all of his hard work and preparation heading into the season.
“Means a lot to me — shows all the hard work that I’ve been doing in the offseason and summer, and even preseason and practices,” Kowalski said.
Kowalski’s highlight of the week was a header on Sept. 21. A corner kick from teammate Carter Thiesfeld hit the back of the net giving the Blugolds a 1-0 lead 11 minutes into the first half. The score from Kowalski would be the winning goal, and the Blugolds held the nationally ranked University of Chicago scoreless.
Head coach Casey Holm gave Kowalski a tip in front of the team before the match.
“Carson, make sure you head the ball down to prevent it from going over,” Kowalski said.
After a few corner kicks that ended up in balls going over the net in previous games, Kowalski was prepared to get one in the net.
Alongside Kowalski’s lone goal, the Blugolds were able to stop the University of Chicago’s offense that outscored opponents 21-6 during a five-game winning streak heading into the match. Chicago had just two shots on the goal and could not break the Blugolds defense.
Kowalski and the Blugolds had a good vision for the match and were able to pull out a huge victory at home to strengthen their record to 6-0-2.
“We knew what they were going to be doing and how things were going to go on the field. Really good game plan going into it,” Kowalski said. “Being able to score the goal and keep a clean sheet was huge because then that looks good as our whole team.”
Kowalski said he attributes the Blugolds’ early success to their coaching staff and upperclassmen.
“The coaching staff is a huge part of it. They prepare us very well for the game,” Kowalski said. “And the senior leaders that we have before every game we do a little huddle and they’re like, ‘this is our turf, we don’t lose at home.’”
The Blugolds have yet to lose at home, carrying a 6-0 home record to start the season.
Kowalski has been versatile for the Blugolds this year, scoring three goals while providing defense and much needed endurance on the field. Kowalski averages 82 minutes on the field per game and has been consistent for the Blugolds.
A lot of preparation before and on gameday from the coaching staff helps prepare for every match, according to Kowalski.
“I think the coaches do a great job with the scout,” Kowalski said. “I look at it a couple times during game day to refresh my mind and remember things that are important.”
The coaching staff, lead by Coach Holm, recruit and develop players like Kowalski. In just the four years they have been a program, the team has gone 55-12-5. They have reached two Division III tournaments.
Kowalski, who transferred to Eau Claire in the spring of 2024 from the University of Dubuque, said he was intrigued by the team’s success and athletes.
“I love it here. I’m super glad I made a decision because of the winning culture and the lifelong friends I’ve made so far,” Kowalski said.
Kowalski said the spring move also made it easier to adjust to the team and get him ready for the season which has seen him make big plays already.
“[It] really helped me adapt to Eau Claire because I automatically came in knowing 35 guys. That was huge in helping me adapt,” Kowalski said.
Aspirations this season for the 13th-ranked Blugolds include pursuing a national championship. The teamwork is visible in their play, with 13 different Blugolds scoring a goal this season.
“It’s not just me doing all the defensive work. We’re a team,” Kowalski said. “There’s 11 guys and all 11 of us defend, and I just happened to get the recognition for it this past week.”
Kowalski said he had a great week with his team and will look to continue his strong play and help the Blugolds in the near future.
Benes can be reached at [email protected].
