What brought you to UNI? 

I chose UNI for a lot of different reasons. The biggest being the volleyball program. The coaching staff is invested in the lives of their athletes on and off the court, striving for excellence in both areas. Additionally, my whole family attended UNI, it is a great distance from home, and I like the smaller size of the school, and how much of a community feel that it is. 

How did you become interested in your major? 

I became interested in my major because athletics have played such a significant role in my life. I have been able to first handedly experience all of the things you can learn from playing sports and being on a team. I knew I would want to invest in a specific area in the athletic world to help encourage those younger than me to continue in their sport participation. I have a strong desire to create positive experiences for people within physical activity and lead others to become healthier and happier versions of themselves. 

What did you enjoy most about attending UNI? 

My favorite parts about attending UNI were being on the volleyball team and being a part of FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes). Both of these groups have impacted my life in more ways than I can explain in a short paragraph, and these impacts will stick with me for the rest of my life. The fearless leaders of these groups are my head coach, Bobbi Petersen, and my FCA leader, Ken Trautmann. These two have set such good examples for me to learn from just by the way they live their lives. Both of them do everything they do to the best of their ability and are very passionate, encouraging, motivating, and so much more. 

How have you been involved outside of the classroom? 

Outside of the classroom, I have been involved in many things that have kept me busy. During the time that I am not in class or practice, I have spent time volunteering, going to FCA Bible studies, teaching a personal training certification course, coaching club volleyball, coaching high school strength and conditioning, and completing an internship at Crossfit. 

Post-graduation plans? 

I will be playing professional volleyball with a club in Béziers, France for one season, which is this August to April. Then I’m getting married in the summer of 2025, and will move to Iowa City after that! In Iowa City, I will be looking for a job in coaching or mentoring athletes.

How did UNI prepare you for your post-graduation plans? 

UNI prepared me for this because I have had people all around me encouraging me to have big dreams and to go after them hard. In 10 years, I wouldn’t want to look back and wish I would have continued playing volleyball if I had the chance to. However, I do know my time as an athlete will come to an end, which is why I am super thankful for the education I have received here. I have learned from many passionate professors to give me the foundational knowledge that I need. On top of that, I have been able to connect with people who hold positions that I am interested in. Talking with and learning from these individuals has given me an insight that not many lecture classes will give you. I feel that through UNI, I have been prepared in many ways for what’s to come in the future. 

What advice would you give to high school seniors (and/or transfer students)? 

If I were talking with students who are thinking about coming to UNI or are new here, I would say to just come here and find community. This university and town of Cedar Falls are full of people who are eager to make a difference in your life. Whether it be in the classroom or through some other organization. There is so much good here!