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 Carter Clemensen (Cologne) of baseball, as well as Haley Anderson (Eden Prairie) and Katie Keelin (Burnsville) of women’s track & field.
Q: What are your thoughts about missing your final collegiate season?
CC: It’s sad to think about. I worked hard for this season and I wanted to make one more final run at the championship.
HA: Missing out on two months of outdoor track season seems insignificant in comparison to my entire experience of cross country and track, yet it is ultimately frustrating and heartbreaking. I was looking forward to giving my last best effort for the sport I had grown to love (and hate at times). I was looking forward to sharing those moments with my fellow seniors and teammates. We had goals left to reach and marks waiting to be met. The absence of my final season is one that can never be excused. It will never feel quite finished, and the lack of closure is definitely the most difficult to accept.
KK: Earlier this year, during the indoor season, I suffered a major knee injury at practice. This unfortunately meant that I had to miss indoor conference. There was a small chance I could compete for the outdoor season, but it was unlikely. Personally, I had already accepted that my season was over, but I wasn’t ready to be done with track and field all together. As a captain of the team, I planned to still be there with my team every step of the way. I planned on helping with coaching and being as involved as I could be. This has been a heartbreaking adjustment, but I am trying to make the most of it and stay positive.
Q: What is your favorite sports memory at Gustavus?
CC: Watching my teammates battle against St. Olaf to win the MIAC while I was on crutches in the dugout.
HA: My favorite memory extends from August 19, 2016 to March 22, 2020. I was involved in athletics every second of my time at Gustavus, and every second was memorable – even the gruesome workouts!
KK: I have a few favorite memories. The first is conference last year during the outdoor season. I was a conference champion in the hammer throw, which is something I had been dreaming about being since freshman year. That day was one of my favorites because it was great watching all my teammates compete and perform really well. I was so proud to be a Gustie. Another of my favorite memories was going to outdoor nationals last year in the hammer throw. To be able to represent Gustavus at that level was a huge honor for me and I will always treasure that experience. My last favorite memory was breaking the weight throw school record for the first time this past indoor season. That moment was a testimony to all my hard work over the last four years.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
CC: I plan on working at a fitness or rehab facility with my degree in exercise physiology.
HA: I plan on moving to Des Moines with my boyfriend of three and a half years, who I met my freshman year through GAC cross country. With my fresh physics degree, I plan on obtaining a technical job as an engineer.
KK: I am attending Northwestern Health Sciences University to pursue a doctorate of chiropractics. Northwestern has a sports chiropractic route which would enable me to combine my love of athletics with my career.
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Previous “Senior Spotlight” features: