I can just imagine standing in Sid Rich Gymnasium, surrounded by fellow athletes, coaching and athletic staff, faculty, family, and friends for Athletics Convocation. Sometimes you can barely recognize the athletes around you – out of jerseys and uniforms, we are all dressed up for what feels like the first time in forever. It is a celebration – a celebration of the hard work and dedication both athletes, coaches, and training staff have put in over the last year.
This year, the celebration looks a little different. There will be no in-person gathering. No sitting together as teams and listening to Coach Norman give opening remarks. No pictures after the ceremony with the teammates that turned into your family over the years. The feeling is bittersweet, and it can be tempting to let the bitter overwhelm the sweet. For many seniors, our last season was cut short. Years of dedication and hard work, which involved long weekends, little sleep, and missed time with friends and family ended quickly and unexpectedly. That feeling of stepping onto the field and knowing it was the last time you would play as a college athlete is something you cannot replace. No one could predict the need to cancel the regular school year and self-isolate due to a global pandemic. While we do our part to social distance and protect those we love, it is important to celebrate the time we had as athletes at Austin College in any way we can and acknowledge those who have helped us along the way.
Although we are a group of teams, we are all one collective family. It is crucial to recognize that no athlete can succeed alone. The support we received as student athletes at Austin College was extraordinary. Our coaching staff and administration gave their all to provide an environment where all athletes could thrive while encouraging us to be leaders in the classroom, as well. Training staff Ryan and Hayley spent long hours at games and matches to ensure we could perform at our best. We cannot repay them or thank them enough for impacting our lives as they have.
My first practice as a college freshman, I met my tennis team for the first time. I had no idea how hard we would work over the next four years, but I also didn't know how quickly my teammates would turn into family; people who would hold me accountable, support me, and continually work hard towards a common goal. The athletic culture at Austin College was unlike anything I had ever been a part of, and once you have been a part of a team here, you know it is something special.
Playing at a Division III school has given us the best of both worlds. We have continued to play the sport we love, while receiving an incredible education and opportunities to succeed. Our athletic journey has been unique – no incentive compelled us to play for Austin College other than our love of the game. We work only to get better for ourselves and our teammates. This kind of hard work is rare and will shape us into driven lawyers, doctors, teachers, and entrepreneurs. Not only that, but our teams have given us new families and have taught us compassion and patience. Austin College student athletes stand out. The persistence and servant leadership I have seen at Austin College from the students around me gives me hope for the future.
To our juniors, sophomores, and freshmen: embrace every practice and minute of game time that you have, because you do not know if it will be your last. It is a privilege to play for your team and Austin College – don't waste it.
As the class of 2020 graduates and steps out into the real world for the first time, we are faced with the challenges and adventures that come with a planet that changes daily. From a global pandemic to economic uncertainties, I would be lying to say that we have it figured out. But I know that Austin College athletes will approach it with the same perseverance that we always have – and I cannot wait to see how we impact the world.
Katie Seibert '20
Women's Tennis
Student-Athlete Advisory Committee Vice President