CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- For Hailey Schultz, being a student-athlete at Luther College means balancing high-level academics with intense competition in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
As she reflects on her journey, Schultz is grateful for the opportunities and challenges that have shaped her personal growth on and off the court.
"This opportunity allowed me to stay busy and push myself out of my comfort zone, which led to my personal growth," said Schultz. "My experience shaped me into the person I am today, and I know it will translate into the Physical Therapist I want to be."
Resilience and Leadership
Schultz's journey at Luther College has not been without its challenges. As she progressed in her major, she faced more demanding courses and struggled to find a time management schedule that worked for her.
These challenges taught her valuable lessons in resilience and leadership.
"There were moments when I put in extensive efforts into exam preparation, only to underperform," said Schultz.
"But these experiences taught me to keep trying, to adjust my study methods, and to perform at the best of my ability."
Support and Inclusion
Schultz credits her coaches and professors for their unwavering support in helping her balance her academic and athletic pursuits.
"They work hard to create practice and competition schedules that minimize missed class time," said Schultz.
"They even implement study tables to help us manage our busy schedules. My professors have been accommodating, allowing me to attend alternative lab sections or recording lectures for me to catch up on long bus rides."
In addition to the support from her coaches and professors, Schultz has found a welcoming community at Luther College.
"It's always a nice feeling to receive words of encouragement and support from other athletes on game days," said Schultz.
"Not just athletes, but even professors and staff members on campus reach out and show their support. These experiences have made being a student-athlete more enjoyable and worthwhile."
Pride in Hard Work and Dedication
Reflecting on her time in the A-R-C, Schultz takes pride in the hard work and dedication she has experienced with her teammates.
"Each year, we fight hard in the gym to compete to the best of our abilities against great competition," said Schultz.
"It's something that all athletes in our conference can be proud of."
As Schultz enters her last season as a Norse, she hopes to leave a legacy of hard work and perseverance.
"I want future athletes to know that their bodies have more to give than their heads may think," said Schultz.
"By setting this example, I hope to give future athletes more confidence to persevere through hard practices and go the extra mile during off-seasons."
A Journey of Growth
Looking back on her student-athlete journey, Schultz is filled with gratitude.
"Every bump in the road, challenge, long day, high, and low were worth every second," said Schultz.
"I have learned more about my limits physically and mentally and how to have a healthy balance of school, athletics, social life, and self-care."
Schultz's journey at Luther College has prepared her for her future career as a Physical Therapist.
"The experiences and support I have received here have shaped me into the person I am today," said Schultz.
"I am beyond grateful for the opportunity to be a collegiate student-athlete and to continue my journey of personal growth."
Don't forget to become a fan of the American Rivers Conference on Facebook @AmericanRiversConference, X (Twitter) @AmerRiversConf, and Instagram @AmericanRiversConference.
About the American Rivers Conference
Nationally respected for excellence in NCAA Division III athletics, the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has a tradition dating back to its founding in 1922 as the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association and adopted its current name in 2018 to reflect its strong Iowa roots and growing regional footprint. The A-R-C is a collaborative community that champions the holistic development of student-athletes, uniting member institutions in a shared commitment to academic achievement, athletic distinction, and leadership.
The A-R-C is home to nine full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. Luther College has announced its departure from the conference, effective at the conclusion of the 2025–26 academic year.
