S. Olaf Athletics was one of the highlights of my time in college. What I remember most about being on an Ole team was the community it provided. During winter and spring months, I was on the women’s track and field team and focused on pole vaulting and leading the sprinters/jumpers as a track captain. In the fall, I was on the women’s Ultimate club team Durga. Both experiences cultivated a sense of community outside of the classroom and provided for a ton of fun in the outdoors. For me, the best part was that Olaf athletics allowed for a healthy balance between sports and studies. I also found it was way easier to build friendships through these teams.
“The joy of athletics and sense of community from being on Ole teams is something that does last a lifetime.”
As it turns out, pole vaulting is not exactly a lifetime sport and I stopped playing Ultimate after popping a rib out after a layout. Regardless, the joy of athletics and sense of community from being on Ole teams is something that does last a lifetime. These days, my athletics come from running with a neighborhood group and chasing after my six year-old son, Gavin. I’m hoping the joy that I learned from running track and playing Ultimate at St. Olaf transfer to him.