CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Mason Laven, a men’s golf student-athlete at Buena Vista University, has embraced the challenges and rewards of being a student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C).
For Laven, the A-R-C has been a platform to pursue his athletic and academic passions while fostering personal growth.
“It has allowed me to continue playing sports at a high level while also being able to focus on my career. I get to meet new people, go to different towns, and enhance my skills while also having school support,” said Laven.
Balancing Sports and Academics
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As a business major with concentrations in accounting, sport management, finance, and marketing, Laven manages a demanding academic schedule along with his athletic commitments.
While Laven’s time as a student-athlete has been full of successes, he has also faced setbacks.
He recalled a period when he struggled to perform at his best and found himself off the BVU conference team. However, Laven refused to let this setback define him.
Instead, he worked diligently to improve his game and eventually earned a spot on the team, even placing in the top 20.
“I backslid a little from high school to college in my sport, but it did not let me stop me from trying to get better. I went from not making BVU’s conference team to making it, to then placing top 20. Now I have one more year left, and I am ready to have my best year yet,” Laven said.
The Power of Community
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Throughout his journey, Laven credits the unwavering support of his coaches and professors for his success.
“Coaches and professors at BVU do not just care about themselves and their classes. Coaches care about school, and professors care about our athletics. I do not have one example because it has been three years of a constant example. They have both made my college career less stressful,” Laven said.
Beyond the confines of competition, Laven has found a sense of camaraderie and friendship within the A-R-C community.
He cherishes the connections he has made with fellow student-athletes from other schools and values the support and inclusivity he has experienced.
“While the competition is real, there are many people I can call friends now, and they play for other schools. In year four, there are guys that I have played with multiple times a year and talk to every weekend. Simply bringing schools together has made me feel included,” Laven said.
Paving His Own Path
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As Laven reflects on his time in the A-R-C, he is proud of his accomplishments and the growth he has achieved.
Placing 19th at the conference last year may not have been his ultimate goal, but he acknowledges the progress he made and the effort it took to get there.
“It took bad moments and self-doubt, but effort yields results. I made a slight jump, and it goes to show that slight improvement is all it takes. We will see where this year’s improvement lands me,” said Laven.
Looking to the future, Laven hopes to leave a lasting impact on the people he has encountered throughout his journey. He aims to be remembered as someone who was kind, supportive, and always willing to lend a helping hand.
“I just want to leave my mark on the people I have played with as a person. Whether it be older or younger teammates, opposing players, or coaches, I hope everyone I met enjoyed meeting me. I may not be the best at golf, but if I can be remembered for being nice and helping others, then I’ll have done my job,” Laven said.
Laven’s message to a broader audience is one of resilience and perseverance. He believes that any path can be a good choice if one is willing to put in the effort and overcome obstacles.
“A bad tournament or a bad test does not need to drag you down,” Laven said.
Laven’s story is a testament to the power of determination and the impact of a supportive community. His journey as a student-athlete in the A-R-C has not only shaped his athletic and academic pursuits but has also molded him into a compassionate and driven individual.
As he continues to chase his goals, Laven remains an inspiration to those around him, proving that with dedication and a positive mindset, anything is possible.
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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.
