Finnish freshman sensation

For many freshmen, the transition to Division I college sports can be a humbling experience. Most are not prepared for the huge jump in competition and often the adjustment process can be a slow and frustrating one.

For Linda Ruutu of the women's soccer team, however, this has been far from the case.

Since first setting foot on the pitch at Morrone Stadium, Ruutu has been a difference-maker and a game changer for the Huskies. She is currently tied for the team lead in points and has demonstrated remarkable soccer instincts and a consistent ability to cross the ball into the box to give her teammates the opportunity to score.

To an uninformed onlooker, her immediate impact is remarkable, but to those who have seen her play, her success is not the least bit surprising.

Ruutu's pre-collegiate resume is extraordinary. Despite being just 19 years old, Ruutu has played for HJK Helsinki for several seasons, and was a member of a Finnish U-19 national team that reached the European Championship game in 2008.

It was during that game that coach Len Tsantiris watched Ruutu play for the first time.

"I went to watch [the Finland U-19 team] in Austria, they were playing for the European Championship, and I talked with the coach and the lady who runs the national program for the women and she told me to watch that kid Linda," said Tsantiris. "I liked the way she played, although her team didn't do very well. I noticed that she was a good kid who knew how to play."

Shortly after, Tsantiris offered Ruutu a chance to play at UConn - an offer which she happily accepted.

"I thought that I'd like coming here," said Ruutu. "It sounded like a great opportunity."

Upon her arrival, Ruutu had little difficulty adjusting to the quick tempo of Big East soccer and has flourished into one of the most dangerous and versatile players on the roster.

"She adjusted right away, she sees the field and she knows how to play," Tsantiris said. "She has the things that we can't teach, she's got it."

Ruutu also has something else that few freshmen players have: game experience at a level comparable to college.

"The national team games are pretty similar to the games here," Ruutu said. "Like the tempo and everything."

Considering that most players are accustomed to playing in high school state championships or high-level club tournaments, being able to say that you played for a UEFA European Championship is pretty impressive and has certainly given Ruutu a huge advantage in terms of preparation for the jump to collegiate soccer.

But despite all this, there was one thing Ruutu faced in coming to UConn that initially proved to be more difficult to adjust to.

"The beginning was really difficult not knowing anyone and being so far away from home," Ruutu said. "At the start I was more homesick than now, but it's not that bad anymore."

Ruutu cited the similarities between the two countries as a helpful factor in terms of adjusting to life in Connecticut, though she also appreciates the opportunity to return to Finland over the long winter and summer breaks.

"The biggest difference is that you're so far away from your family and friends," Ruutu said. "Of course there are difference in cultures but they're not that huge, cause they're both western countries, its not like India or anything."

Ruutu's arrival has helped rejuvenate a Huskies team that struggled last season, and now she is one of the driving forces behind a team that is determined to return to the NCAA tournament.

A scorer, a playmaker, and a leader, it is clear already that Ruutu is a special player, and only time will tell how good this Finnish freshman can become.