GUTERSLOH, Germany - Former IUPUI women’s soccer standout Lisa Gebhard recently began her professional soccer career by signing on with FC Gutersloh of the German 2nd Bundesliga. The 5-foot-5 defender joined the team last week and played her first match over the weekend.

While at IUPUI, Gebhard was a two-time Second Team All-Conference selection and was named the team’s Defensive MVP her senior year. She appeared in 64 matches over four seasons, making 62 starts, ranking among the program’s top 10 all-time in both categories. The Jaguars defense set new single-season records for shutouts and goals against average while she anchored the back line.

Academically, Gebhard was co-recipient of the IUPUI Dorothy Cheesman Award (the highest academic honor given to female senior student-athlete) following her senior season. She was also IUPUI’s nominee for the NCAA Woman of the Year award and named the School of Public & Environmental Affairs Most Outstanding Bachelor of Science student.

FC Gutersloh went 12-6-4 in the 2nd Bundesliga in 2007-08 and opened the 2008-09 campaign with a 5-1 romp of Nord-Regionalligisten as former Cal State Fullerton standout Lauryn Welch scored a pair of goals. Gebhard, working off just one practice since arriving, made her professional debut in the second half.