It’s not often true that freshmen make an immediate on-field impact, but Lizzie Bultynck has done just that.
Bultynck made a splash at BGSU, scoring her first collegiate goal in her first match.
The Troy, MI native scored BGSU’s first team goal of the 2023 season just over an hour away from her hometown against the Michigan State Spartans.
“It was such a ‘wow’ moment,” said Bultynck. “I had a lot of friends and family there. It was such a surreal feeling and it’s something that replays for me.”
Bultynck, a two-time All-Michigan player in high school, began her recruiting journey during her junior year. The recruiting trail started with some Michigan schools and a trip down South before her visit to Bowling Green. She was quickly sold on BGSU as the perfect home-away-from-home.
“The minute that I stepped on campus, I loved the at home feel,” said Bultynck. “Once I saw the team and watched a practice, I knew that the level [of play] was something that could push me and that I wanted to be a part of.”
It wasn’t just the right fit for Bultynck, it was also the right fit for the coaching staff who has high praise for the freshman class.
“They’ve done well, it’s a talented class, we’re hoping that the young, hungry talent combined with the experience of the upperclassmen puts us in a good position as the season rolls along,” said BGSU women’s soccer head coach Jimmy Walker. “Lizzie is an amazing young lady with a bubbly personality, always very hard-working and giving 100%. She’s athletic and quick on her feet, but extremely tough and not going to shy away from a challenge.”
There is just one non-conference game (home against Notre Dame Sunday at Cochrane Stadium) before Mid-American Conference (MAC) play kicks off against Toledo on Sept. 21. The Battle of I-75 will mark the first conference showdown for the freshman.
“I am so looking forward to MAC play,” said Bultynck. “We’re coming back for another championship and practice has emphasized that we have to be ready to go. I love the adrenaline. I play the best when my back is in the corner and I’m ready for that.”
In the classroom, Bultynck is an exercise science major with a focus on physical therapy, which she said may potentially lead to athletic training.
On the field, Bultynck is averaging 33 minutes per match through the first five matches for the Falcons. She not only registered her first collegiate goal in the season opener but also made her first collegiate start 11 days later against Detroit Mercy.
