MISSOULA – Zoe Transtrum wasn’t planning to pursue environmental studies when she came to the University of Montana on a soccer scholarship from her hometown of Boise Idaho.
Transtrum was captivated by a class on sustainable communities in her first semester of fall 2018. She double majored in sustainability communities. Environmental studiesAnd Sustainability science and practiceMinor incompetent Climate change studiesAnd Ecological restoration.
“After I took that course my freshman year, I thought this is where I belong,” Transtrum said. “It introduced all of these topics that were completely new to me. And it really drew me in.”
Transtrum was a hands-on learner throughout her four years. She also had an internship at the PEAS FarmAn urban, sustainable farm that produces thousands of pounds of fruits, vegetables, and other foods for the Missoula Food Bank.
Transtrum earned college credit last summer through an outdoor course with Wild Rockies Field Institute. She backpacked three weeks through Yellowstone National Park. Transtrum learned firsthand about the park’s restoration efforts.
“It was three weeks of backpacking and camping the whole time and meeting with land managers,” Transtrum said. “I’ve never been backpacking before so it was awesome to learn.”
Peter McDonough, climate studies program director at UM, has known Transtrum over the past four years. He said he was impressed by her ability to look at major global issues like climate justice and women empowerment, while remaining positive and motivated.
“She has a characteristic combination of intense passion for and wry humor about really big issues,” McDonough said. “The result is this powerful but encouraging presence of mind and purpose.
Transtrum’s work in the climate change studies program has directly contributed to sustainability efforts and awareness on campus through projects and her ability to connect easily with people, McDonough said.
“I like to think the climate change studies program attracts a certain kind of student who can emotionally face a global crisis and thrive in a supportive community of others doing the same,” McDonough said. “Zoe epitomizes that idea and has been an inspiration to many others in the program.”
Transtrum’s participation at the Transtrum Symposium was another highlight, besides environmental studies. Sports Diplomacy – Sport for Social ChangeThe Mansfield Center offers an exchange program. Transtrum, a freshman in her first year, traveled to Peru with a group that included about 15 people. These people ranged from high school students to seniors. Their goal was to advocate gender equality and women empowerment through soccer.
Transtrum, a Griz soccer player and a midfielder, played soccer with young Peruvian girls and helped to host workshops and training sessions. Later, Missoula was visited by the Peruvian girls as part of a two-way exchange.
“There’s so many more barriers that women have there to be able to play sports,” Transtrum said. “That was really eye opening to me. It made me really appreciate my opportunity to play soccer here.”
Heidi Blair, Mansfield Center program manager, oversees Sports Diplomacy. She said Transtrum thrived in this program and made connections cross-culturally to the Peruvian girls through her kind and genuine personality. Blair stated that Transtrum mentored and led high school students in her group.
“Not only is Zoe a skilled and passionate soccer player, she also stepped into these leadership and teaching positions with humble confidence and grace,” Blair said.
As a Griz soccer player, Transtrum finished her college career on a high note when the team won the Big Sky Conference Tournament last fall and qualified for the NCAA Women’s Soccer Tournament.
Transtrum has continued her passion for soccer through coaching a U12 youth soccer team and playing adult soccer leagues. She enjoys being an example for younger players.
“It reminded me that this game can be used for so much more than just competition,” she said.
Transtrum’s other skill is playing the violin, which she has done since she was about 4 years old, the same time she started kicking a soccer ball. Before graduation, she performed in the pit orchestra of the musical “She Loves Me,” produced by UM’s theater and music schools.
Transtrum is looking forward to the possibilities as she wraps up her performances and remembers fondly her time at UM. Transtrum is interested in careers that focus on sustainability and climate change. Both have been her passions since she arrived at campus.
“I didn’t even know I was interested in going into the environmental field,” Transtrum said. “But to have all these really cool experiences and to learn about it here has been so special.”
###
Contact: Dave Kuntz, UM Strategic Communications Director, 406-243-5659 [email protected]
