General | 2/1/2023 10:36:00 AM

WAVERLY, Iowa-- Three members of Wartburg's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently sat down with us and spoke about their collegiate athletic experience at Wartburg College in celebration of Girls & Women in Sports Day.

We hear from Vanessa Hautekeete (clay target sports), Sydney Illg (softball), and Taylor Runchey (women's basketball).

1. What does being a student-athlete mean to you?
   Runchey: To me, being a student-athlete is a privilege that has given me the opportunity to be part of something much, much bigger than myself... it means I get to learn from my teammates and coaches every day, constantly work to be better in every aspect of life, and represent Wartburg. I have learned so much about living life fully and with integrity through athletics, and most important to me, I've learned what it means to be part of a team and be there for my teammates no matter what. 
   
   Hautekeete: Being a student-athlete means being able to follow my academic passions and become prepared for my career while also being part of a supportive team and competing in the sport I love.
   
   Illg: Being a student-athlete means that I am pushing myself to be better in all aspects of life, both on and off the field. I am able to utilize my support system of teammates, coaches, professors, and advisors to accomplish my goals and grow as a person. Being a student-athlete has not always been easy, but it has helped me learn valuable life skills that will stay with me beyond my college years. 
   
    
2. What have you seen or what have you learned about the progression of women in sports from when your parents/grandparents played/watched until today?
   Runchey: Women during our grandparents' upbringing often didn't have the opportunity to participate in sports, and if they did, their options were limited or they were held back from truly competing. It's pretty amazing to look at where we are now, with women's games/competitions televised all of the time and respect constantly growing for women in sports. There is still much work to be done globally, and everywhere, but it is very special to think about how far we've come. Those who came before certainly paved the way for us to be able to compete freely! 
   
   Hautekeete: I have seen the growth of support for women's sports, including having more accessible game times for spectators, and being treated equally by institutions to the men's teams.
   
   Illg: Title IX has granted women amazing opportunities within athletics and academics. Because of Title IX, I am able to play the sport that I love alongside my best friends. My grandmothers did not have these same opportunities when they were my age. We still have a lot of work to do to grant women equal opportunities, but we have come a long way and should celebrate the influential women that helped us get to where we are today. 
    
3. How has being a student-athlete impacted your overall experience at Wartburg College?
   Runchey: I have met so many amazing people through being a student-athlete that have all impacted my life in such powerful ways. It's so cool to be around others who are also working hard in the classroom and in athletics. I feel my experience has been enhanced so much through athletics at Wartburg, both through the people, and the preparation we are getting to have a positive impact on others' lives after graduation. 
   
   Hautekeete: Being a student-athlete has really rounded out my experience at Wartburg. Being able to earn a degree while still enjoying the sport I love at a highly competitive level and being able to grow and learn outside of the classroom gave me the opportunity to become the best version of myself and be more prepared for the next stage of life.
   
   Illg: Playing softball at Wartburg has given me memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. Athletics have helped me grow in my confidence, improve my leadership and time management skills, and prepare me for life beyond Wartburg. I am so grateful that I chose Wartburg!