The Gustavus athletics department will hear from spring sport senior student-athletes throughout the remainder of the semester, honoring those who are unable to participate in their final season of college athletics.
Today’s Q&A with senior student-athletes include Kailey Maroney (Montevideo) of women’s tennis, Conrad Oddoye (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) of men’s track & field, and Emily Carlson (Burnsville) of softball.
Q: What are your thoughts about missing your final collegiate season?
KM: I’m going to miss the team a bunch and being able to play tennis competitively against tough competition. Continuing to play tennis competitively and getting close to the girls on our team.
CO: I was very excited to compete in my very first outdoor track season ever this year. Missing out has left me with a constant wondering of what could have been; what sorts of times I’d have made, where I would have stood overall in the MIAC. I’ve only been in track for a year. I joined my junior year and had a brief indoor season before going abroad for spring semester. This year I got to compete in several indoor meets and kept recording personal bests almost every meet.
EC: It is definitely a shock to my system. A lot about me has changed over the last four years, but softball has always been a core part of my identity and now that it’s gone, I kind of have to reevaluate what makes me me. I also played in the Symphony Orchestra, so losing not just one but two team- and community-based extracurriculars has been hard for sure. There’s not much you can do solo to mimic those experiences.
Q: What is your favorite sports memory at Gustavus?
KM: My favorite memory was when we beat St. Thomas last year. We played great tennis and it was great to see our team so invested in one another while the top six played. It was a great bonding moment.
CO: I’m just grateful that I was given the opportunity to begin a new sport. I’m thankful to all of my coaches for taking a chance on me and putting in time and effort to help me improve time and time again. They and my teammates who always pushed me will be what I miss most.
EC: Definitely our 2019 spring trip to Arizona. We had amazing weather, won a lot of games, and we all could just feel that pride that comes from knowing you’ve put in the work to earn the success you’re having.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
KM: I am moving to the Twin Cities to start an internship with Allianz Life.
CO: Currently post-graduation plans are up in the air. Previous job offers are on pause. I eventually plan to pursue a master’s in psychology.
EC: I will be moving to Grand Marais, Minn. to begin a naturalist position at a lodge near the Boundary Waters. I will be leading hikes and canoe trips as well as teaching crafts and outdoor cooking, so literally all my favorite things.
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Previous “Senior Spotlight” features: