CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Evie Strigel is a student-athlete for the Luther College softball team. As she enters her sophomore year, she is coming off a successful first season and is ready to build on that momentum.
Softball is a big part of Strigel’s life, but she also enjoys pursuing other interests outside of sports. She is a psychology major and hopes to become a sports psychologist one day.
There is a lot more to Strigel than just being a student-athlete, and she is looking forward to growing as a person and continuing to make an impact on and off the softball field.
Choosing Luther College
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Choosing a college is a big decision, and there are a lot of factors that go into it. For Strigel, her decision to attend Luther College was an easy one.
“When I visited it felt like home. The team was super welcoming, and the softball program was exactly what I wanted,” said Strigel.
Knowing that she would be surrounded by a great group of teammates and competing in one of the best Division III conferences in the country, the American Rivers Conference, made her decision even easier.
Competing in a conference like the A-R-C is what Strigel has always dreamed of, and she is thankful for the opportunity to do so.
“I enjoy having a healthy school and sport balance while also having great competition. I learned so much my first year that I don’t think I would have learned in a less competitive conference,” Striegel said.
Experiencing new things
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One of the highlights of Strigel’s softball career at Luther came during her first season when the team traveled to Brazil. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and Strigel enjoyed every moment of it.
“Going to Brazil with the team and getting to compete against Brazilian softball players is something I will never forget,” said Strigel.
Softball has given Strigel the opportunity to travel to places she never would have gone otherwise, and she is grateful for all of the experiences and memories that the sport has provided her.
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, Strigel is excited to see what her team can accomplish. As a sophomore, she is more comfortable and confident, and she is eager to help her team reach new heights.
When Strigel is not competing on the softball field, she enjoys hanging out with friends, relaxing, and getting Culver’s. She also has a passion for the mountains and hopes to one day travel out west.
Making a difference
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As Strigel continues her journey as a student-athlete at Luther, she is also working toward her career ambition of becoming a sports psychologist. Strigel has a passion for helping athletes develop healthy mindsets, and she wants to make a positive impact on the mental health of athletes across the country.
Luther has taught Strigel many valuable lessons, but the most important one might be time management.
“I don’t have time to procrastinate anymore, and I definitely learned the hard way on some things that I have to be on top of my work,” said Strigel.
The balance of being a student-athlete can be challenging at times, but Strigel has done a great job of managing her responsibilities on and off the field.
As she continues to grow and develop as a person, she is excited to see what the future holds. Whether it’s traveling to new places, making a difference in the lives of athletes, or competing in another memorable softball game, Strigel is ready to embrace everything that comes her way.
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About the American Rivers Conference
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
