As the spring season winds down, Augustana’s senior athletes step off the field, mat and track one final time, leaving behind more than just statistics. They walk away with lasting friendships, hard-won growth and legacies etched in effort and heart.
For many, the experience has been defined by more than competition. It wasn’t just about times on the clock, scores on the board or wins in the record books. It was about the quiet victories–fighting through injuries, staying up late to finish assignments after long practices and cheering teammates on through their own highs and lows. It was about learning to lead, follow and show up even when it was hard. For Augustana’s senior athletes, these four years were filled with moments that tested their limits and shaped their character.
“It has been nothing but memories, fun and tears,” Lauren Oelke, a senior on the track and field team, said. “It has been a wild experience, but it is something I would never take back. I know what I’m passionate about. My teammates have taught me patience, how to be confident in myself and how to be a good teammate and friend.”
Senior year athletes from every sport have grown in ways that stretch far beyond the playing field. For some, it meant stepping into leadership roles they never imagined themselves taking on. For others, it was about discovering strength and discipline through adversity.
“I came in thinking I had to prove myself,” Fifth-Year on the men’s volleyball team, Max Sellers said. “But I’ve learned I don’t need to be the best to have value on this team. I’ve made lifelong friends. I’ve learned how to support others and how to take care of myself, too.”
Whether on the wrestling mat, in the weight room or during early morning practices, seniors across Augustana built bonds through shared struggle and celebration. Through their struggles, these seniors have come to understand that their growth, both as athletes and individuals, is not just measured by personal performance but by the way they lift each other up and celebrate their collective accomplishments.
“My wrestling teammates were like my brothers,” senior wrestler Kameron Hanel said. “We all had each other’s backs and picked each other up when needed. There were times when I had to put my head down and catch up on work. But that taught me time management and organization.”
As they prepare to leave the teams they’ve called home, these seniors hope their impact lingers long after stepping off the mat or finishing their final practice. They’ve spent years contributing to the culture, pushing each other to be better and setting examples for younger teammates. Now, as they look ahead to the next chapters of their lives, they want their legacy to extend beyond records and accolades.
“I want to leave behind a fun, caring energy,” Oelke said. “I truly care about every single person on this team.”
Sellers offered simple advice to those just beginning their journey. “Be silly. Make it fun. Don’t be afraid to enjoy it while it lasts,” Sellers said.
Hanel added on to that starting advice and wanted to remind student athletes to think about their passions. “Remember why you’re doing this. You’re here because you love it. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself,” Hanel said.
