Senior fall athletes reminisce on their journeys
Nick Batchelor: Men's Cross Country
Batchelor is an exercise science major. He plans to attend physical therapy school after graduation but is undecided where.
What is your biggest motivation?
My biggest motivation is my mom. She ran throughout high school and college, and she knows how to motivate me. She is my biggest supporter through every phase of life, believing in me even when others don't. She has encouraged me to be your best: She has pushed me to be great, to chase my dreams and to develop the confidence to achieve them. With all the hardship with injury during college, she was one of the main reasons I got through them to be able to run again.
What has it meant to you to represent your school’s colors on the course?
It has meant the world to me to represent my school’s colors of navy and gold. You get to represent not only yourself but every person on the team and the school of Augustana. It is a privilege every time I get to race.
How do you feel about your career coming to a close?
I am, of course, sad that it is coming to an end, but I am so grateful I have been able to compete for Augustana. This sport has been the center of my life for so long, and it will be a challenge to adapt once college is over, but I am happy with how my career has developed.
Do you have a favorite memory on the team?
My favorite memory on the team was being on the cheer squad last year for the national cross country meet in Sacramento. The course was extremely muddy and it was raining, but it was the most fun I’d ever had cheering for our teammate during the race. We got to paint our bodies in navy and gold and run around for hours in the rain. It was truly one of my favorite memories on the team.
Ellie Walker: Volleyball
Walker is a libero/defensive specialist, majoring in biology with a minor in Spanish. She plans to take the MCAT and apply to medical school in the spring. Upon graduation, she will take at least a one-year gap to get clinical hours.
How do you feel about your career coming to a close?
In all honesty, it hasn’t really sunk in yet. I believe that when springtime comes and I’m not going to team practices, lifts or working volleyball tournaments is when it is going to hit. However, this past weekend was definitely an emotional one. Volleyball has taught me how to be a leader, how to work hard for whatever I want in life and how to always find the positives in what life throws at me. Those traits are going to stay with me long after the end of my volleyball chapter, and I will forever be thankful for the years, bruises and memories the sport gave me.
Do you have a favorite memory on the team?
Favorite memory has to be upsetting #1 Wayne State in the first round of the NSIC tournament our freshman year! We played at Concordia, and our team held nothing back since we came in as the underdogs. Our parents' energy was electric, and the entire team just came together and grinded out every point.
What do you expect for the future of your team?
I expect them to continue to grow, lean on each other and work their booties off this offseason so they can enter this next season at their strongest and most confident. I have the most trust in this team — I know they can get things done, both on the court and in the classroom, and I am so excited to be their biggest cheerleader.
What advice would you give to underclassmen athletes?
Don’t be so hard on yourself. It is so easy to come into college right after senior year and being at the top to then getting quite humbled when you realize you may not be playing right away. Almost every one of your teammates was the best at their school: captains, all-conference/state members…that is why you are all still playing. Embrace that you get to build your way back up again, soak in every moment and have fun with your sport!
Zach Richardson: Football
Richardson is a defensive lineman, double majoring in journalism and media studies. He currently has an internship with Sports Illustrated and plans to pursue sports journalism after graduation.
What are you going to miss most from Augustana?
I’m going to miss the guys who have been around me for the last five years. We grew up from 18-year-old freshmen to 22-year-old men. I will forever be grateful to my friends and teammates.
What has it meant to you to represent your school’s colors on the field?
When you go out on the field, you don’t just represent yourself — you represent all those who have come before you. I just try to play for the guys who can’t play that game because they got injured.
What has been the highlight of your time on the team?
My highlight on the team would probably be this past year’s Key to the City game where we came back late in the fourth quarter to win three in a row against the Coo.
How long have you been playing football?
For organized football I started playing in 3rd grade, but I’d been playing backyard football since I could walk.
Lindsey Young: Women's Cross Country
Young is majoring in biology with minors in sociology and medical humanities. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year working as a medical assistant at a clinic in Minneapolis before applying to Physician Associate school.
What has been an impactful moment for you?
The most impactful moments weren’t about titles or placements. They were the car rides to meets, getting ready with my teammates and putting on those Augie uniforms together. Those small, joyful moments have shaped my perspective. They reminded me to appreciate the little things — not only in running but in life.
What are you going to miss most after graduation?
I’m going to miss my team the most. I’ve made some of my favorite memories with these girls, such as daily runs, team Bible studies, recruiting weekends and team meals. Being surrounded by them every day is what will be the hardest to leave behind.
How do you feel about your career coming to a close?
I’ve raced cross country since 7th grade, and it has shaped so much of who I am. It’s difficult knowing I won’t compete on a cross-country course again, but I’m grateful that running itself won’t leave my life. Even without the competitive aspect, staying active and running will always be part of me.
What is your biggest motivation?
My teammates are my biggest motivation. Running may seem individual, but it’s truly a team sport. Some days you’re the one pulling the pack, and other days you need someone to pull you. That accountability and shared commitment are what make our bond so strong.
Brooke Berens: Volleyball
Berens is a middle blocker, majoring in nursing. After graduation, she plans to stay in Sioux Falls and work as a Registered Nurse at Avera.
What has been the highlight of your time on the team?
The highlight of my time on the team is for sure the friendships I have made. Being surrounded by a great group of people for the past four years is something I will truly miss. Their constant support and fun energy have made every moment, both on and off the court, unforgettable.
What has been an impactful moment for you?
Getting to travel as a team to Costa Rica over J-term was a very impactful experience for me. Being able to explore a new country, play volleyball and continue to build friendships with my teammates is an experience I will never forget.
What has it meant to you to represent your school’s colors on the court?
It reminds me how great of an opportunity it is to play college athletics and represent Augustana.
What is your biggest motivation?
My biggest motivation is my family. They have always been there and supported me in everything I do. Knowing I have them by my side pushes me to work hard and be a better person.
