CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – When a student-athlete is looking for a place to call home, they often search for a school that matches their personality and offers the best possible collegiate experience.
For Buena Vista University volleyball player Mallory Ignaszewski, it didn’t take long to figure out that this was the place for her.
After transferring from North Dakota State College of Science, Ignaszewski took a leap of faith in the recruiting process and decided to take an official visit to BVU.
She was blown away by the atmosphere and how welcoming everyone was on campus. The volleyball players made her feel like a part of the team from the moment she stepped foot on campus, and it was a feeling Ignaszewski will never forget.
“I fell in love with the atmosphere and the players here at BVU,” Ignaszewski said. “I knew after my first visit that I’d fit in great here and that this was the place for me to be.”
A FAMILY ATMOSPHERE
---
One of the many reasons why Division III athletics are so unique is the opportunity to have a life outside of sports.
Student-athletes in Division III have the ability to pursue other hobbies and passions while still being able to compete at a high level.
Ignaszewski has embraced this lifestyle at BVU and is grateful for the many opportunities that are provided to her on and off the volleyball court.
“I enjoy most that I can have hobbies outside of my sport while still intensely pursuing my sport,” Ignaszewski said. “I have found a great balance between my academics and athletics and have found people who support me along the way.”
Ignaszewski has been a key contributor for the Beavers this season, and she is having a great time competing in the American Rivers Conference. The league is highly competitive and filled with lots of talent, and it’s a challenge that she is excited to be a part of.
“The teams in the American Rivers Conference are all very competitive," Ignaszewski said. “It's fun to compete in the conference.”
Ignaszewski continues to make an impact on and off the court and is proud to represent BVU.
MAKING MEMORIES
---
For Ignaszewski, some of the best memories of her collegiate career have been off the court.
She has built a strong bond with her teammates and has enjoyed getting to know them outside of the gym.
“My favorite sports memory is the team-bonding activities with my team and the close bonds that we have built,” Ignaszewski said. “I have made friendships that will last a lifetime, and I am grateful for the memories we have made.”
GETTING TO KNOW MALLORY
---
When Ignaszewski is not competing on the volleyball court, you can find her doing one of her favorite things — going on walks and watching the sunset.
She has a lot on her plate as a student-athlete, but she always makes time to clear her head and appreciate the beauty around her.
It’s a moment of peace and solitude that she cherishes before the intensity of competition takes over.
Ignaszewski is currently a senior and will graduate in May. Her career goal is to get a job near her hometown in a business office setting, and she is excited to see what the future holds.
She has learned so much during her time at BVU and is grateful for the many lessons that she has been taught.
“The biggest lesson I have learned is to get out and meet people,” Ignaszewski said. “I have met some of my best friends at BVU, and I am so glad I took a chance and came here. Another lesson I have learned is to stay organized, especially during the season. With everything going on, it is easy to get off track, but staying organized and ahead helped me a lot.”
Ignaszewski has grown as a person and a player at BVU, and she is excited to see what the future holds.
But before she graduates and moves on to the next chapter of her life, Ignaszewski wants to leave people with something that they may not know about her.
“Before each game, I love having quiet time. It helps me get focused and learn to stay in the moment,” Ignaszewski said.
Ignaszewski has learned a lot during her time at BVU, and she has embraced the quiet time that she needs to get focused before taking the court. It’s a lesson that she will take with her when she graduates and something that has made her a better person and player.
Ignaszewski has left a lasting legacy at BVU, and she is excited to see what the future holds.
---
It didn’t take long for Mallory Ignaszewski to feel at home at Buena Vista University.
From the moment she stepped foot on campus, Ignaszewski knew that BVU was the place for her. She was blown away by the welcoming atmosphere and the strong bond that she created with her teammates.
Ignaszewski has made the most of her time at BVU and has embraced the many opportunities that have come her way. She is excited to finish her senior year strong and make the most of her final season.
With a bright future ahead, Ignaszewski is grateful for the many lessons that she has learned at BVU and the impact that she has left on the volleyball program.
Ignaszewski is a true competitor with a heart of gold, and she will always be proud to represent the Beavers.
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
The Conference dates back to December 8, 1922, when representatives from 12 colleges got together and formed the "Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Association." Honoring its heritage in Iowa and its expansion outside the state, the American Rivers Conference brand was established on August 9, 2018, to build on the academic and athletic success provided by its legacy, the Iowa Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The A-R-C has nine full-time members: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Luther College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College.
