CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Kenna Kasel’s journey as a dance student-athlete at Buena Vista University is a story of leadership, resilience, and the profound impact of community support.
As a member of the American Rivers Conference (A-R-C), Kasel has embraced the values of discipline and camaraderie, which have shaped her into a well-rounded student-athlete.
For Kasel, being part of the A-R-C means more than just athletic competition; it is a tradition of excellence where hard work and community matter.
“With such an emphasis on discipline on the floor and in the classroom, I have learned how to balance athletics and academics at a high level,” Kasel said. “I have built lifelong relationships with coaches and teammates who share the same drive, passion, and values. This has shaped my personal growth by strengthening my leadership skills, developing my self-discipline, teaching resilience, and deepening my gratitude to a conference that has allowed me to excel.”
As a captain of the dance team, Kasel faced the challenge of leading her teammates through both triumphs and trials. This experience taught her the importance of seeing the bigger picture and adhering to her values for guidance.
In the world of dance, every individual contributes significantly to the team’s success, and Kasel understood the need to leverage this collective strength to build a strong team culture.
In addition to her athletic endeavors, Kasel has found immense support from her coaches, professors, and Dr. Brian Lenzmeier, the president of Buena Vista University. Their encouragement and belief in her potential have played a pivotal role in her journey.
Kasel appreciates the emphasis on excelling both in academics and athletics, as it has driven her to set high standards for herself and provided the necessary resources to achieve them.
“My coaches and professors have shaped the person I am today,” Kasel said. “They have emphasized that success in the A-R-C comes from excelling both in the classroom and in competition. They have pushed me to set high standards for myself, but also gave me the resources and encouragement to achieve them.”
Kasel’s accomplishments extend beyond the dance floor and classroom. She takes pride in being named First-Team All Conference and Academic All Conference during her junior year.
These honors symbolize her ability to balance her sport and academics, a feat that required countless hours of practice, studying, and support from her loved ones.
For Kasel, earning these recognitions served as a reminder that hard work pays off and that success is attainable through a complete commitment to the student-athlete experience.
“My proudest accomplishments during my time in the A-R-C are being First-Team All Conference and Academic All Conference my junior year,” Kasel said. “Achieving both honors at the same time was meaningful because it showed the balance between excelling in my sport and in the classroom. It took countless hours of practice and studying, as well as support from coaches, professors, and family. Earning these recognitions reminded me that hard work pays off and that success is possible when you commit fully to every part of the student-athlete experience.”
As Kasel looks to the future, she hopes to leave behind a legacy of dedication and positivity. She wants to inspire future student-athletes to believe in themselves, chase their dreams, and understand that it is possible to compete at a high level while excelling in the classroom.
Kasel’s goal has always been to lead by example, supporting her teammates and giving her best effort in everything she does.
“The legacy I hope to leave behind in the A-R-C is one of dedication and positivity,” Kasel said. “I want future student-athletes to see that it is possible to compete at a high level, excel in the classroom, and still bring happiness and encouragement to those around you. My goal has always been to lead by example through supporting my teammates and giving my best effort in everything I do. If I can inspire others to believe in themselves and chase their dreams, then I will feel I have left something meaningful behind.”
Kasel’s journey as a student-athlete in the A-R-C is a testament to the power of dedication, leadership, and community support. Through the challenges and triumphs, she has grown as an individual and left an indelible mark on the conference.
As she continues to inspire and lead by example, Kasel’s legacy of dedication and positivity will undoubtedly resonate with future student-athletes in the A-R-C.
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.
