As this academic school year comes to a close, most senior students begin to reminisce on their college journey. Four year career athletes at Bethel look back on why they came to Bethel for their sport and what made it worth the stay. Four year athletes stay dedicated to their academics as well as their teams, which have become their family. Playing at Bethel comes with the ability to be a part of a rebuilding program, being on a history making team, and for others, continuing a winning tradition.
“I wanted to be a part of Bethel football because the team and coaches sold me on the idea of a brotherhood and it was all 100% true,” Marvin Phillips, a senior from Houston, Tex. said.
The community support is what students value about playing sports at Bethel. Team atmospheres and coaches alike keep athletes to strive to be their best for their team. The people at Bethel are the reason that most athletes want to stay throughout their athletic careers. Four year athletes stay dedicated, while doing the extra reps to make sure they give back to those who have been supportive to them. It’s the people at Bethel that keep them here.
“Even in the toughest of times, I felt like I couldn’t let my teammates down. I signed up to play collegiate volleyball, knowing it would be a hard commitment at times and I felt like I couldn’t quit on myself, my team, and my family/friends that were supporting me through it,” Mia Loganbill, senior from Hesston, said.
For a lot of four year athletes, a winning tradition kept them going. Bethel athletics is striving for a winning culture that follows from the hard work and time that each athlete and team puts in. As far as the role for seniors, they are often looked up to for courage, guidance, and leadership from their teams.
“Whether you love your coach or your teammates, stick around for them. Each year I had devoted my time to playing basketball and it was only right to stay all four years at a place where I felt like I had made a difference,” Alex Bearup, senior from Wichita said.
Lessons and new perspectives will come with playing college sports. For some, Bethel taught them how to be an adult and pursue their dreams. They also learn how to be unselfish and stick around for their team even when it becomes hard to. Athletes make friends that last a lifetime and understand the true meaning of what it means to be a part of a team.
“I have learned a lot on how to deal with adversity, stand up for my beliefs, and how to treat others and communicate with others. I have also learned how to invest in my friendships and know my worth,” Loganbill said.
Advice from senior student athletes is simple.
“Enjoy every moment on your prospective field of play, give it every ounce of you, and remember your why,” Phillips said.
“Buy into your sport. At times it will be tough but you signed up to be a collegiate athlete! Enjoy every minute with your teammates and play the game you love— it goes by too fast!” Loganbill said.
