CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Virginia Speltz, a women’s soccer student-athlete at the University of Dubuque, has a story that exemplifies the power of resilience and determination.
Throughout her journey as a Spartan, she has overcome obstacles on and off the field, emerging as a leader and leaving a legacy of strength in the face of adversity.
Finding Her Path
Speltz’s journey took an unexpected turn when she tore her ACL at the start of her freshman year. As a student-athlete, losing the chance to compete was devastating, and she found herself unsure of her role on the team. At the same time, she was also feeling lost in the classroom, overwhelmed by the pressure to choose a major.
Despite these challenges, Speltz remained resilient. She stayed involved with her team, supported her teammates, and found new ways to lead from the sidelines. This experience not only strengthened her leadership skills but also taught her that growth often comes from discomfort and uncertainty.
Off the field, Speltz took the time to explore different academic paths and eventually found her passion in nursing. The field of nursing not only allows her to care for others but also incorporates the lessons and values she learned while competing in the American Rivers Conference.
Balancing Two Passions
Balancing the demands of a nursing major with the rigorous schedule of a student-athlete is no easy task. Speltz credits her coaches and professors at UD for their unwavering support and understanding.
“They have each played a vital role in helping me succeed as a Spartan, especially as I navigate the demanding balance between nursing and soccer,” she said.
The journey from recovering from a knee injury to becoming a leader on the University of Dubuque women’s soccer team was not an easy one for Speltz, but it was a journey that shaped her into the strong individual she is today.
“When I finally stepped back onto the field after almost a year of recovery, it was not just about playing again – it was about leading by example,” she said.
Speltz learned how to lead from the sidelines, motivate others through their own troubles, and speak up when it counted. Being named a leader was not just an honor, but a reflection of the growth she had experienced.
Leaving a Legacy
As Speltz looks towards the future, she hopes to leave a legacy of resilience and leadership within the University of Dubuque women’s soccer team.
“I want to be remembered as someone who transformed a setback into an opportunity for growth and leadership, just like many others before me,” she said.
Speltz hopes to have played a part in building a community within the team that empowers every player to use their strengths and stand by each other through both wins and setbacks. She believes that if her story encourages even one person to believe in their potential despite obstacles, she will have left a meaningful impact.
A Message of Embracing Uncertainty
Speltz wants to share a message with a broader audience about her student-athlete journey: It is okay to not have it all figured out.
“When I first came to the UD, I did not know who I was or what major I even wanted to pursue,” she said. “I struggled with uncertainty and self-doubt, and sometimes it felt like everyone else had it more together than I did.”
But through the challenges on and off the field, Speltz learned growth does not come from having all the answers. It comes from being willing to keep learning and adapting to what life throws your way.
“Being a student-athlete has taught me that it is okay to make mistakes and change directions because every experience contributes to who you become,” she added.
To anyone feeling lost or unsure, Speltz wants them to know it is completely normal and they are not alone. Your path might look different from others, and that’s okay. What matters most is the willingness to grow, the perseverance to never give up, and the belief that everything happens for a reason, and you will find your way, even if it takes time.
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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.
