Jackson grad thrives on her quiet contributions

Getting to play so close to her home town has added plenty of icing to Julie Wunderlich's solid if unspectacular soccer career at Southeast Missouri State University.

A graduate of Jackson High School, the senior midfielder and her teammates will play their second home game of the season today when Southwest Missouri State visits Houck Stadium at 2 p.m. The Otahkians (2-1-2) are coming off a 4-1 win over IUPUI in Friday's home opener.

"It's been exciting to play so close to home," Wunderlich said. "My family has been able to see me play, and most of the road games are not that far away either so they've been able to make a lot of those."

Wunderlich, while not compiling big statistics -- the midfield position is not a high-profile one -- has been a key member of the Otahkians since arriving at Southeast, starting much of her career.

As a freshman in 2000, Wunderlich played in all but one game and recorded two assists. The next year she played in all 18 games, scored one goal and made the Ohio Valley Conference all-tournament team.

Last season, Wunderlich scored a career-best three goals and had one assist while appearing in all 20 games and making third-team all-OVC. So far this year, Wunderlich has no goals and no assists but has been a fixture on the field.

"I'm happy with the way my career has gone so far," Wunderlich said. "I feel like each year I've improved and progressed."

Southeast coach Heather Nelson appreciates the contributions Wunderlich has made.

"Julie has been a very steady player," Nelson said. "She's had a good career."

Wunderlich, a Southeast Scholar Athlete, is majoring in physical education. She plans to become a teacher and coach, perhaps even starting out at an area high school.

But before Wunderlich -- one of two Jackson products playing for Southeast, the other being sophomore defender Erin Hartmann -- thinks about her professional career, she wants to make her soccer career complete by helping the Otahkians gain their first NCAA Tournament berth.

"To win the OVC Tournament and get to the NCAA Tournament for the first time, that would make my career complete," she said.

SMS visits today

After Friday's victory over IUPUI, Nelson looks for another strong showing today when Southwest Missouri State come to town.

The Bears (1-3-2) have played tough competition and figure to give the Otahkians a stern test. SMS defeated Memphis 3-2 Friday for its first win. Memphis and Southeast played to a 1-1 tie Tuesday.

"They've had a good program," Nelson said, "and it's always big when we play another school from the state."

Southeast beat SMS 3-0 last year in Springfield.