Fall sports: A conversation with a first-year athlete

Gwenyth Buswell on the field. Credit: Gwenyth Buswell

By Layah Johnson 

As the leaves begin to fall and the temperature drops, sports during the fall season are just warming up. To kick off our coverage of this season’s sports, I spoke with Gwenyth Buswell ‘27, a first-year student who plays as a forward for the soccer team here at St. Kate’s. If you go to the games, you might have seen her; she is number seven on the field. As someone who is not familiar with soccer, I was excited to speak with her to know more about the life of an athlete.

If you are like me and are not a sports expert, you may not know much about the soccer team or the lives of student athletes. But don’t worry, because I asked Gwenyth about the season so far for you!

“[It’s] so much fun. Getting to know the team on and off the field has been a great way to start my freshman year of college,” she said. But it’s not just fun and games for Gwenyth and the team; they are also ready to accomplish great things. “We have started the season off really well, with a record of 6-2-0. Our goal is to win the MIAC again, and make it to the national tournament.”

With that record, it is safe to say that our soccer team is not one to mess with. But after all, a team is a group of individuals, so I asked Gweynth what makes her a valuable member of the squad. “I am a really hard worker, and am constantly pushing myself and others to be better,” she says. “I also think of myself as a good teammate. Whether I play or not, I am always doing my part to help the team succeed. Whether that is cheering on the sideline, or doing my best on the field, I strive to fulfill my role, however it looks.”

With all their successes, I was interested in what Gwenyth’s favorite sports moment is so far this season. “The culture and atmosphere at the games and practice has been really great so far, and I am so happy to be on such a supportive, hard working team,” said Gwenyth.

If you’re interested in knowing how the team gets ready for games, Gwenyth shared some insight. “I really enjoyed all of our pregame ‘rituals.’ The soccer team is very superstitious, so we have certain things we do before our games like walking out to the field with the same pinky partner.”

Our University is home to college athletes who play many different sports. I asked Gwenyth specifically what it is like as a soccer player.

“[It’s] hard work but so rewarding. The soccer team is like family and everybody is there with the same goal in mind: to work hard [and] build a strong, supportive culture.” 

To get a broader view of the life of a first-year athlete, I asked her what it’s like to play for college as a whole. 

“[It’s] definitely a transition from high school; much more intense, and the level is obviously very high,” she said. “Finding a way to balance school, sports, and work is not easy, but once you figure out what works for you, it is very doable.” Balancing it all as a college athlete can be hard regardless of age, but if you’re a first-year student, that transition can be even more difficult. Gwenyth shared some tips that have helped her out. “Talking with professors, staying on top of your work, and managing your time is key to being a successful student athlete,” she said.

St. Kate’s soccer team is a supportive community, and as a result the stands at games are filled with friends and family cheering them on. “The atmosphere is always hype,” says Gwenyth. “Everyone on the bench and in the stands [is] so loud and supportive.”

But, we students at St. Kate’s can always do more to get excited and support our soccer team. Gwenyth encouraged other students to foster school spirit, adding, “We are a good team so the games are always competitive and fun to watch.”