CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – Luther College is nestled in the town of Decorah, Iowa, and is known for its natural beauty and tight-knit community.

For Ava Holland, a former student-athlete at Luther, the decision to attend this college was driven by her love for nature and the strong sense of connection among students and professors.

"I chose Luther because of all the nature surrounding the campus, as well as the wonderful connections students have with each other and their professors,” Holland said. “Luther College is a special place where everyone truly cares about you. It feels like a home away from home."

Holland's journey as a Division III student-athlete was both challenging and rewarding.

She was exposed to various situations and had the opportunity to meet many new people. Engaging in sports allowed her to take her mind off academics and focus on personal growth.

"Being a Division III student-athlete was challenging but so rewarding,” Holland said. “I was exposed to many different situations and met many new people. I loved the ability to get my mind off school when I was working hard in the gym."

One of her fondest memories as a student-athlete are the overnight trips with her teammates.

"We always had a fun time on the long bus rides and in the hotels,” Holland said. “Additionally, I enjoyed the experiences where all the athletic teams on campus came together for a cause. It was truly special to be part of that community."

Holland also had the opportunity to get hands-on experience through internships, which ultimately led her to her current position as the Operation Manager for TGA Premier Sports in Minneapolis.

"Being a student at Luther College provided me with opportunities to get involved in internships doing hands-on work,” Holland said. “I worked in the Sports Information office during my time as a student, which led me to where I am today."

Reflecting on her time at Luther, Holland is most proud of her proactive approach to getting involved and achieving her goals.

By pushing herself out of her comfort zone and embracing challenges, she was able to find the perfect major and gain valuable knowledge through internships.

"I am most proud of getting myself involved and being proactive about what I want to accomplish,” Holland said. “From that, I was able to find my perfect major and learn a lot through the internships I completed."

Although Holland has graduated, she still keeps in touch with her college teammates, many of whom live in Minneapolis as well. The bonds formed during their time at Luther have remained strong, and she knows that they will always be there to support her.

Looking back, Holland wouldn't change much about her college experience. However, she would have embraced challenges and stepped out of her comfort zone even more.

If she could offer any advice to current or prospective student-athletes, it would be to understand that setbacks and failures are part of the journey.

"Setbacks and failures are part of the journey,” Holland said. “Learning how to handle challenges and learn from mistakes makes all the difference. Perseverance in the face of adversity will make you stronger."

As Holland continues her journey in the "real world," she has learned that everyone goes through similar experiences and that it's important to lean on others for support.

Her hobbies include going to the gym, attending sporting events, and spending time with her family. She is grateful for the nutritious and fresh meals provided at Luther, which always made her feel like she was getting the best nourishment.

In conclusion, Luther College holds a special place in Holland's heart. The natural beauty, strong sense of community, and opportunities for personal and academic growth made her time at Luther truly memorable.

As she moves forward in her career and life, she carries the lessons and experiences gained at Luther with her — forever grateful for the connections and opportunities that shaped her into the person she is today.

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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.