I was only nine years old when I stepped onto a softball field for the first time. Softball immediately lit a spark in me that has only burned stronger and brighter as I’ve grown older.  

In high school, my love for softball quickly morphed into a love for sports. I was always itching to be surrounded by competitive energy, to feel the excitement in the air and see a community unite in spirit. It was only right that I would find my next home at Wartburg College where athletic pride and excellence is tradition.  

As a member of the Wartburg Softball team, I am beyond grateful to have the opportunity to compete at the NCAA Division III level in a program that is truly a family. The family I have subsequently gained within the Wartburg Department of Intercollegiate Athletics has enhanced my passion for sports, and for that reason, I have become passionate about sharing those unique perspectives of sports through media. As the sports editor for The Wartburg Trumpet, I am eager to share the achievements of our athletic department with the rest of the Wartburg family. 

Since discovering the multitude of opportunities that lie within the world of sports media, I have made a point to gain experience in as many areas as possible. I may be behind or in front of the camera, capturing the action and emotion of sports through photography or announcing games, sharing my knowledge and highlighting exceptional athletes. 

Most notably, I create sports media by writing articles that showcase the heartfelt stories within successful programs and producing social media content for several organizations. 

This past summer, I had the opportunity to help launch the IAsoftball platform under the IAsportz franchise. Being able to give back to the Iowa high school softball community that raised me is an honor that I hold close to my heart. 

Similarly, I am honored to join The Wartburg Trumpet staff this year as the sports editor. It is my goal to properly give back to both the athletic department as well as the journalism and communication department that have helped make Wartburg a home for me. 

As a student-athlete, I see how much goes on behind the scenes that may go unnoticed. I also see the lack of balanced sports coverage across the nation and the world that we too often settle for. 

As the sports editor, I will aim to shed a light on the hard work that spans throughout the entire athletic department for the rest of campus to recognize. Additionally, I will strive to provide equal representation of all sports teams at Wartburg College and advocate for all voices within the department. 

While this year for The Wartburg Trumpet will be a transitional period for our organization, I am confident that our staff, led by Dr. Ashley Jones, Ali, Chloe and myself, will do our utmost best to bring the most noteworthy stories to the Wartburg community. 

Wartburg athletics has already shaped me as an individual and an athlete, and I will never stop sharing my love and gratitude for this department. I can also attest to the unwavering commitment from the Wartburg Department of Journalism and Communication to produce high-quality media that recognizes successes and keeps the Wartburg community informed. 

I hope you will follow along with The Wartburg Trumpet as we navigate this new period together and celebrate Wartburg athletics. Roll Knights!