Cheer: Eliza Dzurisin

Eliza Dzurisin, a senior human performance and fitness major, is a part of the cheer team at St. Ambrose. Eliza wasn't sure she wanted to be a part of the team but then she learned they offer scholarships for cheerleading, so she wanted to be on the team. Her favorite part is having a team that doubles as a strong support system. With being a student athlete, there is a lot of work involved, so being around others that are in the same boat makes it super motivating. Eliza has had the chance to meet a lot of new people through the team and staff which has provided her with many opportunities which also motivate her to be her best self. With her major, she has had the chance to take what she is learning in classes and apply it to her life through creating workouts or study while she is practicing. They also have mandatory study hours to make sure all of the athletes are staying on track. Eliza's piece of advice to future athletes is to be open to anything and don't give up too early. Stepping out of your comfort zone is important but you also meet a lot of people and learn new things. Stick through the hard times, it'll be worth it in the end.

Men's Golf: Hunter Mettille

Hunter Mettille, a grad student with a double major in accounting and sport management, is a member of the golf team at St. Ambrose. Hunter chose to come to Ambrose and play golf because he really enjoyed his visit to campus along with the ability to meet some of the players during his visit and get an idea as to what to expect. Hunter's favorite thing about being a part of the golf team is the camaraderie within the team. Having built in friendships with teammates makes competing more enjoyable. Being a part of the golf team has helped build Hunter into who he is today by going out of his comfort zone when he plays against strangers. This has helped his social skills and the ability to network with others through his sport. Hunter is currently pursuing his masters degree in accounting and has not had any problems with fitting in his academics with his golf schedule due to the professors being helpful when missing for a sporting event. Hunter's piece of advice to future athletes is to join a team because the athletic teams are all interactive and have a sense of family within the school, pushing you to be your best self. 

Women's Swimming & Diving: Grace Bobeldyk

Grace Bobeldyk, a sophomore psychology major, is a part of the swim team at St. Ambrose. Grace chose to swim at Ambrose because it provided a family atmosphere where she knew she would be supported and surrounded by people who would push her to be the best. Her favorite part about swimming at Ambrose is the various things that it has taught her outside of advancing her skill such as communication, kindness, and advocacy. Being a bee has allowed Grace to grow physically and gain more skills beyond her career as a swimmer along with meeting her lifelong friends. Her academics are also important to her and have taught her the importance of time management between completing her homework and also attending practices. Her coach keeps a close eye on them to make sure they are staying on track and giving them insight on the importance of balance with all her interests including music and campus ministry.

Softball: Mady Reed

Mady Reed, a junior, is a member of the softball team at St. Ambrose. Mady's favorite thing about being on the team is her teammates and friends she has made through softball. She originally started at a community college, so she has said it's been nice having good friends at Ambrose, too. Mady chose to play softball at Ambrose because she loves the sport but also knew she could get a good education while playing. She is a sport management major, making goals and timelines to make sure she is staying on top of her school work. Being an athlete at St. Ambrose had taught Mady to stay organized, learn how to be on her own, and how to build relationships with new people. Mady's piece of advance to future Ambrose athletes is to focus on your academics, not only the sports. The professors are behind you and want you to succeed.