Greycen Erisman, a senior in elementary education from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, plays midfielder for the S&T Women’s Soccer Team and is currently an observer in the classroom at several local Rolla elementary schools to experience K-5 grade teaching in action.

Erisman transferred to S&T for her last two years of college because she wanted more of a challenge than her previous institution provided.

“I was originally studying graphic design, but decided I wanted to be a teacher instead,” says Erisman. “I hesitated at first because of the stereotypes of low pay and low classroom respect for teachers to deal with, but I love that every day is a new day in the classroom, and you are helping kids have a better future.”

Erisman says she knows exactly who to thank for her interest in teaching – her elementary school physical education teacher Ms. Brown.

“I remember being so excited to go to P.E. and see Ms. Brown when I was in elementary school,” she says. “Even now, she has visited games and cheered me on when the team travels near my hometown.”

An engine that doesn’t quit

During the 2024 season, Erisman played 1,394 total minutes and started in every S&T match. She had five assists – tied for most assists on the team – and three goals last year, and she was named to the College Sports Communicators’ Academic All-District team.

“My dad got me into soccer at the age of 4,” says Erisman. “Every day I feel blessed to be on the team and in this role. And I love that the education department faculty have been so supportive of my competitions – they always ask how the games go each weekend.”

Erisman says that student athletes can succeed on the field and in the classroom, as long as they are organized and have the time management skills to prioritize studying.

Erisman’s hometown is near her favorite professional team, the Kansas City Current women’s professional soccer team. She says that they are the “gold standard” for women’s sports – the team built the first dedicated women’s stadium in the league, and she says they are “thriving and really know women’s sports” which has inspired her during her collegiate career.

Teaching through hype

“My favorite part of a game day is the pre-game time where the team is getting into the zone and cheering each other on,” says Erisman. “I love knowing that the other 10 girls on the field have my back, and I will do everything to support them too.”

Not surprisingly, as a person who is so into hyping up teammates, Erisman’s favorite part of entering an elementary school classroom has a similar theme.

“I love it when students walk into class and we do a morning routine of them deciding between either a fist-bump, a hug or a high five to greet the teacher,” says Erisman. “You see their faces light up and know that it is a good start to their day at school.”

After she graduates, Erisman will teach 1st-6th grade students. She says she hopes to go back to her hometown one day and maybe even get her master’s degree someday.

“I’d love to go back to my very own elementary school – it made me who I am today, as cheesy as that sounds.”

A multi-interest scholar

Despite keeping busy with her studies, Division II sports participation and student teaching, Erisman has other interests that she is keen to dive into during her down time. She is beginning to teach herself to play golf, and she loves to cook, an interest that may be a detriment to her teammates – five of whom she lives with in a house near campus.

“I like cooking and baking, especially homemade brownies,” says Erisman. “I brought my own pots and pans from home to Rolla and occasionally make baked goods to share after a big win.”