CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Kaylin Long didn’t choose Simpson College by accident—she felt something the moment she stepped on campus. “When I first visited Simpson, I immediately fell in love with how beautiful the campus was,” she said. The charm of the fall leaves and intimate class settings convinced her this was the place where she could grow as both a student and an athlete.
Now a senior on the women’s golf team, Long has built a life that balances competition with community. She’s embraced the rhythms of Division III athletics, where relationships matter just as much as results. “I’ve made so many good relationships with other players and coaches,” she said. “I genuinely look forward to attending a tournament where I know teams from the American Rivers Conference will be there.”
For Long, golf has never been just about the scores. It’s about late-night hotel runs, laughing with teammates, and talking through each round. “Some of my best golf memories are from hotel stays with my teammates,” she said. Those small moments—sharing snacks, watching football, and catching up on life—have become the heart of her Simpson experience.
Finding a Home at Simpson
Long’s journey to Indianola started with a recruiting process that felt more like finding a home than choosing a team. The people she met on her overnight visit made the difference. “The team was really welcoming, and I could easily see myself fitting in with the team and at Simpson,” she said.
That sense of belonging has carried her through four years of growth. The small classes helped her connect with professors, and the supportive environment pushed her to try new things. “The biggest lesson I’ve learned at Simpson is that you have to be willing to step outside of your comfort zone,” she said. Whether it was meeting new people or taking on new challenges in golf and academics, Long learned to embrace discomfort as a path to growth.
Balancing Sports and Service
Long’s life at Simpson extends far beyond the golf course. She’s majoring in elementary education with endorsements in special education, reading, and early childhood, and she’s already thinking ahead to how she can give back. “My career goal is to become a first-grade teacher,” she said. “I also want to get my coaching certificate so I can coach girls’ golf and basketball.”
Her involvement on campus reflects that same spirit of service. As treasurer of the Education Club, she helps plan events and manage budgets. She also participates in intramurals and Wesley Service Scholars, finding ways to stay connected outside of athletics. “I enjoy being involved on campus and finding ways to stay connected outside of athletics,” she said.
When she needs a break, Long turns to simple joys—reading, movies, and crafts. After a long golf season, she values time to slow down and reconnect with friends and family. “When I’m not competing, my favorite thing to do is spend time with my friends and teammates,” she said.
A Legacy of Confidence
Long draws inspiration from her grandfather, a former basketball coach who helped spark her love of sports. “He was a basketball coach and played a big role in my love for sports,” she said. His influence taught her the value of hard work, and it’s something she carries with her every time she tees off.
She also looks up to professional golfer Nelly Korda for her poise and determination. “My favorite golfer is Nelly Korda,” Long said. “I love how she stays confident in her game and keeps working hard.” That mindset resonates with Long’s own perfectionist tendencies—her drive to fine-tune every detail, even when others tell her it doesn’t have to be perfect. “I’m rarely 100% happy with a golf round because I know there were things I could have done better,” she said.
Looking ahead, Long dreams of combining her love for teaching and sports. She hopes to one day take a golf trip with friends, play new courses, and capture the memories on video. More than anything, she wants to keep building the kind of community she found at Simpson—one where people support each other, push each other, and celebrate the small moments that make the journey meaningful."
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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 eight full-time member institutions: Buena Vista University, Central College, Coe College, University of Dubuque, Loras College, Nebraska Wesleyan University, Simpson College, and Wartburg College. The A-R-C also includes two affiliate members for men’s and women’s swimming & diving: Illinois Tech and University of Minnesota Morris.
