CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Avery Plathe’s journey as a women’s soccer student-athlete at Simpson College has been nothing short of a blessing. 

Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, but Plathe’s time in the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C) has provided her with the resources and support needed to excel in both areas. 

Beyond the wins and losses, what stands out most to Plathe is the sense of community and the lasting relationships she’s formed on and off the field. 

“It’s been super fun being a student-athlete in the A-R-C,” she said. “I’ve learned a lot from playing college soccer, and it’s helped me grow as a team player. The culture in the A-R-C has been so positive and has helped me grow as both a player and a person. It’s fun to be around people who are as dedicated and love the sport just as much as you.”

Finding Balance 

The transition to college life presented its own set of challenges for Plathe, particularly in terms of balancing her athletic and academic commitments. 

“I wasn’t quite ready for that adjustment and struggled at the beginning of college,” she said. “But I learned a lot about time management and how to take advantage of extra resources. It’s also helped me later on when having to juggle even more as I go through my college career, and it will help me later on in life.”

One of the key factors in Plathe’s ability to manage her academic and athletic responsibilities has been the support from her coaches and professors. 

“Our coaches and professors here at Simpson are amazing when it comes to supporting either our athletic careers or our academics,” Plathe said. “I wouldn’t be able to be as successful without this support.”

Leaving a Legacy

As a senior, Plathe has been reflecting on the legacy she hopes to leave behind. 

“I hope to leave behind a positive environment at the conference,” she said. “Every athlete deserves to be part of a conference that is supportive and highlights their student-athletes.”

One of the aspects of her journey that Plathe is most proud of is the growth she’s witnessed within her team and the program as a whole. 

“Each year, we’ve done something new and gotten better as a program,” she explained. “The growth that’s occurred over the past couple of years has been tremendous. Our culture allows us to be successful, which is one of the biggest parts of our growth.”

Pride in Progress

Plathe’s appreciation for the A-R-C and Simpson College extends beyond her personal experiences. She recognizes the positive impact the conference and the college have on all student-athletes. 

“Simpson’s campus supports all the athletic teams,” she said. “When we qualify for the NCAA tournament, there’s always a send-off, and many other athletes, faculty members, coaches, students, and professors come to send off these teams. It’s truly such a cool experience.”

Looking back on her time as a student-athlete in the A-R-C, Plathe is grateful for the opportunities and experiences she’s had. 

“It’s been a blessing to be a student-athlete in such a supportive conference and at a supportive college,” she said. “I’ve found some of my best friends here at Simpson due to athletics. Some of my favorite memories come from playing soccer here at Simpson.”

Avery Plathe’s journey as a women’s soccer student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference has been defined by growth, resilience, and a sense of community. 

Through the support of her coaches, professors, and teammates, Plathe has not only achieved personal and academic success but has also contributed to the growth and success of her team and the A-R-C as a whole. 

As she continues to leave her mark on the conference, Plathe’s legacy of positivity and support will undoubtedly inspire future student-athletes to thrive in the A-R-C.

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