Many freshmen wait several years to get the opportunity to start. Not goalkeeper Ann Gleason.

When she joined the team in the fall of 2006, Gleason had no choice but to play right away.

“I was the only goalkeeper that year, so it kinda came down to me whether I wanted it to or not,” Gleason said. “It was a great chance, because I never thought I would have the opportunity to play right away.”

Gleason was tested with an onslaught of shots from the minute she entered goal as a freshman. The high shot count resulted in a sub-par 2.52 goals-against average. Despite the high GAA, she set the ISU single-season record with 119 saves.

The trial by fire paid off.

Since her struggles as a freshman, the Stillwater, Minn., native has developed into a dominant presence in the Cyclone backfield.

Last season, Gleason amassed a 0.89 GAA while logging over 1,800 minutes in goal. After accumulating six saves last weekend, Gleason is only three saves away from becoming Iowa State’s all-time saves leader.

The success Gleason has had has not come without hours of practice time. During the last two summers, Gleason was given the chance to play for the W-League, the nation’s highest level women’s soccer league.

Playing in the W-League has further perfected her ability as a goalkeeper.

“It’s helped tremendously to just get the extra experience,” Gleason said. “I practiced almost every day of the week and played with some high level players. The more I can get of that the better.”

For first-year assistant coach Ben Madsen, who works mainly with the goal keepers, having a seasoned goalkeeper has been a blessing.

“I’m lucky to have jumped into a situation with someone who is capable of coming in and getting the job done,” Madsen said. “The more experience, the better off you are in the long run. That makes the team better. The more situations you are in, the more she can apply to the team and the situation.”

Gleason has flourished not only on the field, but off as well. As an engineering major, she has compiled a 3.97 grade-point average and was named to the 2007 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District Team for District 7.

The way Gleason handles herself on a daily basis provides an example for the entire team to follow.

“She is a role model. Her preparation in life and in athletics, it all comes together. She’s always ready. She’s always preparing ahead. She does what she needs to do to take care of her body,” Madsen said.

This season, the coaching staff hopes Gleason can use her skills as a role model to help guide the younger players on the team.

“She has a lot of experience and we’re [coaching staff] hoping she can help with the young [defense] backs,” said coach Wendy Dillinger.

The third-year goalkeeper is one of the most experienced members in the ISU backfield. This year’s starting back line includes two freshmen and two juniors, with Lauren Fader being the only returning starter.

In practice, Madsen said he stresses the idea of the goalie being the on-field leader.

“She is the coach on the field. She can see it all, so she needs to take charge.”

And with two years of experience, Gleason is ready to take charge.