Senior Spotlight: Jenny Vetter

Jenny Vetter, a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato and a biomedical science major, is one of the team’s star soccer players. Vetter has a very impressive resume; she has played a big part in the team’s success since 2018 when she was a freshman. Vetter also played in all 23 matches as a freshman and has started in all matches since 2019. In 2019, she joined Amber Dusosky as the only two players to score 20 goals in a season for the Mavericks. 

Vetter, a Mankato native, is the first Maverick selected to the CoSIDA All-American First Team three times. Other on-field accomplishments include USC All-American First Team, the D2CCA Central Region Player of the Year and NSIC Offensive Player of the Year, as well as the NSIC Tournament MVP. However, this year she shattered yet another record becoming the record holder for most game-winning goals (20) in MSU women’s soccer history..

Vetter’s impressive resume is not exclusive to her on-field performance, as she has also been a member of the NSIC Fall All-Academic Team for three straight years, dating back to her breakout 2019 season. 

This hard-working student athlete grew up watching MSU soccer as a ball girl during her youth in which she idolized the players.

“I am very passionate about anything I choose to do. I feel like I am a pretty good teammate, I really try to be a positive leader,” Vetter said.

Growing up she not only played soccer, she also participated in basketball and track.
“I started basketball a little earlier, and then started running track in junior high. I did also run track for MSU in my freshman year — I just did the 60 and lung jump. But after that year I was just ready to start focusing more on soccer,” Vetter said. 

Connecting with her teammates and coaches, Vetter values the impact they’ve made while at MSU.

“At MSU it’s kind of like one big family. We have a larger team, but we still find a way to make everyone feel included in and buy into what we are doing. To have all of those friendships and support around me has meant a lot,” Vetter said.

Regarding her record-breaking goal, Vetter actually didn’t think much about it.

“I knew that I tied the record last year, but at the moment it didn’t even cross my mind. The thrill of the game and winning that game was just on my mind at that time. My sister, who is also an assistant coach for the team, came up to me and congratulated me on the record. It had completely slipped my mind, but it was a very special game to do it in, and it set a good tone for this season,” Vetter said.

As for the team, Vetter is optimistic about this years’ season.

“Our main focus is taking it one step at a time, and taking the regular season conference championship, that is something we haven’t done in my time here yet. But after that, winning the tournament, and then advancing far into the NCAA’s tournament,” said Vetter.

Outside the world of soccer Vetter has plans to become a doctor and apply for medical school if she doesn’t continue to play after this season. Enjoying her Mocha from Dunkin Donuts or visiting the local Coffee hag, Vetter is a very special senior that is undoubtedly in the spotlight this season.

Header Photo: ​​Jenny Vetter, a Mankato Native, has been playing for the Minnesota State University, Mankato since 2018. (Dylan Engel/The Reporter)

Write to Hayden Lee at Hayden.Lee@mnsu.edu