For years, Governors State University soccer players started their mornings the same way, stepping onto a charter bus before sunrise for a 45-minute ride to practice, but that changes now.

The university officially unveiled its new on-campus soccer complex on Friday, April 24, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, and for players who’ve waited since before they even enrolled, the moment was a long time coming.

“Finally. I was happy, bro. I have been waiting for this ever since I got here,” Ronaldo Blancas, a goalkeeper on the soccer team, said.

Trenton Crabtree, a newer soccer recruit, remembers being told about the complex before he even committed to GSU.

“Whenever I was going to commit here, that’s one of the first things my coach told me: we don’t have a complex on campus, but it’s going to be built,” Crabtree said. “I’m glad that we got it now.”

The logistical relief was just as significant, as with roughly 70 players on roster, daily charter bus trips were a drain on both the players’ time, as they had to leave campus as early as 5 a.m., and university resources, which cost the school money.

“Having the field here now, that’s way better than going all the way to Indiana to do that,” Crabtree said.

“Now we don’t have to go to the school to grab the buses to go to Crown Point or any other field to practice,” said Kelom Aulka. “More free time, and when we’re bored, we can actually go there and train or have fun.”

Matias Gallego, the senior goalkeeper, echoed this sentiment. “From the time I’ve been here, you have to travel 40 minutes to go to practice every morning and then 40 minutes back. Having a complex here makes things easier and better.”

With the soccer complex, players see it as a possible recruitment tool that could reshape the program’s future.

“Having a field will inspire more players to apply and come to the school rather than have to drive 40 minutes every day to practice,” said Omar Inga, a junior midfielder.

“This is also good for ID camps,” Aulka said. ID camps are opportunities for high school athletes to showcase their playing skills to college coaches. “We’ll be able to host them and attract more people.”

As for what they’re most looking forward to on the field itself, Aulka didn’t hesitate when asked what he was excited about. “The nets, man, I want to hear the sounds of top bins on that net.”

Crabtree noted the community impact as well. “People can come watch the games now because they’re not 45 minutes away.”

Omar added that while a full stadium is exciting, what matters most is much simpler. “As long as the field is there, I just want to be in that field and do what I love doing.”

With a new complex and new head coach Jose “Tony” Gonzalez, players acknowledge the transition won’t be smooth.

“The start is going to be rough. Transition is never easy,” Omar said. “But in the long run, maybe in a year or two, hopefully it’s going to be better. Hopefully we do again what the 2024 guys did.”

Matias remained hopeful, though. “I see a really good future. We’ll have to work hard, of course, but I see good things coming.”