Wittenberg University Athletics is celebrating the Senior classes from each of the spring sports that missed out on their Senior Day experience, over the next few weeks. Today we highlight the members of the Wittenberg women's lacrosse team and hear about what they love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger and more.
Name: Rachel Bernard
Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio
What is your favorite/best memory as a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
Specifically, we ended this season unknowingly playing two-man down and won with a full team effort, what a way to end senior season with a bang. However, the bonds created throughout my four years here not only with my teammates, but the other athletic teams as well will always hold as my favorite overall memory. We all support one another, and I hope that never changes.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
Being a Wittenberg Tiger is indescribable. As a student-athlete, you give blood, sweat, and tears to the program and you gain more pride than you came in with. I love the atmosphere that athletics provides and it's a community that I'm proud to be a part of.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Dr. Pederson. I only had Dr. P for two semesters, and she is one of the most caring professors I've had, asking about how you are doing in classes and is always sure to ask how life is going. She really cares about the success of her students in and out of the classroom.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Push through the adversity! You will be faced with challenges and there will be moments where you want to give up, but you don't... and you can't. Have that tough mentality and remember that there is no I in TEAM. Be supportive of your teammates and lean on each other when times get tough. The positives always outweigh the challenges you'll face.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
Choose Wittenberg because it will provide you with the best four years of your life. It will give you a home away from home, it will give you forever friends and teammates, and it will teach you more about yourself than you thought was possible.
Name: Gabby Zysik
Hometown: Perrysburg, Ohio
What is your favorite/best memory as a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
Working so hard during our last game in Texas and winning even though we were playing two man-down. It was a great way to end the season. I will forever be thankful for the bonds that I have created with my teammates and other student-athletes at Witt.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
I love that no matter where I am on campus, I am getting a smile and a wave from a familiar face. The relationships I have made here will truly last a lifetime.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Dr. Little. She always pushed me to do my best and was always there for me when I needed her for school-related things or personal things. I have learned so much from her.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Never take anything for granted! Life at Wittenberg happens so fast, make sure you soak up every single moment on and off the field.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
Wittenberg is so special. From the students to the faculty, every person on this campus is truly amazing. You will never feel alone at Witt.
Name: Faith Meads
Hometown: Gahanna, Ohio
What is your favorite/best memory as a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
My favorite memory from being part of Wittenberg women's lacrosse up to this point truly isn't any moment, in particular. It is all the little memories made up over the years. From team bonding's to endless 6 AM practices, to our pregame dance sessions in the locker room, to crazy spring break trips, to all the adversity our team has faced and every moment in between. We have come off crumby losses, and man-down wins, and I wouldn't want to experience it with any other group of girls. So, I guess my favorite memory is just the memory of Wittenberg women's lacrosse itself.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
I love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger is how much it sucks leaving. I think that is how I know it was the right school for me. My heart is breaking that my last semester has been taken from me and I think that shows how special of a place Wittenberg and the people there are.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
Dr. Sally Brannan has always been there for me.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Make up a group chat with teammates in your grade, bond with them and your other teammates, do things together, and never take it for granted. Enjoy the tough losses and the awesome wins just the same. Put your all out on the field, because you truly don't know when your last game will be.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
If you choose Wittenberg, you are choosing so much more than just a school. You are choosing caring professors, lifelong friends, memories that will last a lifetime, and a place that you really feel at home.
Name: Sami Skelly
Hometown: Columbus, Ohio
What is your favorite/best memory as a student-athlete at Wittenberg?
It is hard to choose just one memory when the best part about Wittenberg is the opportunity to play with a great group of women on the lacrosse team. My favorite memory this season was beating a team while playing two-man down and scoring my first goal in that game. Wittenberg women's lacrosse has given me memories than I can think of and I am grateful for the opportunity to have them.
What do you love most about being a Wittenberg Tiger?
The best part about being a Tiger is seeing all the other amazing Tigers before you. They have made a path for us full of high expectations and excellence that I, as a senior, hope to fulfill.
Outside of Athletics, who is the one campus staff or faculty member that had the most impact on you during your time at Wittenberg?
The person on campus who has impacted me tremendously is Dr. Branan and Dr. Yontz. These are two of the education professors that have given me the confidence to be a teacher.
What is one piece of advice you would like to leave for the underclassmen or any recruits looking to become a part of your team in the future?
Jump. Always say yes to any opportunity you have. The biggest regrets I have are not about things I did , they are about things I did not do.
Why should a High School Prospect choose Wittenberg?
Wittenberg is your home away from home. You have a family on the field, in the classroom, and in your social life. Wittenberg makes you confident, and a well-rounded human that is ready to take on the world.