Balancing sports and science: Wilson and Broxterman's journey through athletics and academics at Bethel College
Karissa Wilson and Claire Broxterman reflect on their experiences at Bethel, with a special focus on their time at KU participating in the Research Experience for Undergraduates program (REU).
If you’ve spent time in the Krehbiel Science Center at Bethel College, you’ve likely crossed paths with Karissa Wilson and Claire Broxterman. Both Kansas natives, Wilson is a sophomore from Sterling, while Broxterman is a senior from Lindsborg. Although they differ in class year and the sports they participate in, their shared dedication to both science and athletics sets them apart.
For Wilson, Bethel wasn’t her first choice. “My sibling had gone here, so originally that made me think I wasn’t going to Bethel,” she admitted. “Then I really got to know the coach and I really got to know the tennis team, and I knew that this was the team I wanted to be a part of.”
Initially, Wilson had different plans on what to major in. “I was a history and political science major, looking at Biology,” explained Wilson. “Then I took chemistry, and I was like, drop everything else.”
Broxterman, meanwhile, was initially drawn to Bethel for softball but soon appreciated the personal connections the small campus offered. “I realized I liked the small environment of Bethel and how I could have nice one on one time with my professors,” she shared. “I think that really sold me on Bethel, that I could make really good connections with professors and classmates.”
“I realized I liked the small environment of Bethel and how I could have nice one on one time with my professors,” she shared. “I think that really sold me on Bethel, that I could make really good connections with professors and classmates.”
Claire Broxterman
Wilson considers being a part of the tennis team to be an essential outlet for stress management. “I can overstudy and just go too hard,” explained Wilson, “Tennis gives a place where I get to be outside with my friends just doing productive physical activity for two hours a day.”
Broxterman echoed this sentiment. “If I could, I would study all day long, so softball makes me step back and go do something else so I’m not just in the library or my room studying constantly.”
Wilson’s teammates also play an essential role. “I love my teammates, they’re my biggest supporters,” explained Wilson. “Whenever something exciting happens to me, they’re always the first people I tell.”
Broxterman also emphasized the support that she has received from her coaches, noting how their guidance and encouragement has played a significant role in her growth and success. “My coach has really made it easy to balance everything, just because when I know I have a lot on my plate, he’s like, it’s okay.”
Both Wilson and Broxterman have also achieved exceptional academic success, earning spots in the University of Kansas' prestigious Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Broxterman participated in the program in 2022, while Wilson took part this past summer. The REU program, typically reserved for juniors and seniors, provides an opportunity to engage in graduate-level research. Their acceptance as freshmen highlights their remarkable dedication and talent.
“It was an amazing experience,” Broxterman expressed. “It’s really eye opening and for me, personally, it really pushed me. It showed me what research is outside of my small little world at Bethel College.”
For Wilson, the REU program was a transformative experience that deeply shaped her both as a researcher and as a person. “I really think that it has shaped me as a researcher and as a person, honestly,” she said. “It just pushes you to do your best every single second.”
The program not only reaffirmed her love for research but also fueled her drive for growth. “That feeling of just being pushed like that became so addicting because in 10 weeks, I was doing things by the end that I never thought I could even do in 10 weeks,” she added.
Broxterman added, “Once you get a taste, you just want to keep chasing these questions that you don’t know the answer to.”
Wilson also emphasized the supportive environment of the program. “The people in the program were incredible,” Wilson highlighted. “They were always there to support me, and I still talk to them to this day, I have great relationships with them.”
The REU program also played a key role in helping Wilson navigate and overcome personal challenges. Wilson shared, “Something I struggle really bad with is imposter syndrome. I never think that I am good enough to be where I am, and I have a problem of just being like, do they know that they picked the wrong person? At the end of it, I really felt like I was there, I was holding my own, and I was doing a good job.”
Broxterman, a first-generation college student, faced her own fears. “I was really scared I wasn’t going to get into college, I was really scared I was going to fail out,” she admitted. “And then I go to KU, and I’m thriving there, and they’re pushing me.”
Broxterman also highlighted her mom as someone who helped get her to where she is now. “When I’m doubting myself or not feeling smart enough, she will always make sure that I know that I am and that I can do it and just encourage me to do things that I think are impossible and that I could never do.”
When asked for advice for others pursuing higher education or struggling with self-doubt, Wilson emphasized the importance of passion. “Pick something you’re really passionate about and just chase it.”
“Pick something you’re really passionate about and just chase it.”
Karissa Wilson
Broxterman added, “Know that things aren’t going to go your way all the time but be willing to accept that. Where you do stumble a little bit is often where you learn the most and grow the most as a person.”