CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa -- Bradi Krager arrived at Buena Vista University with a vision that extended beyond the basketball court. As a student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference, she saw an opportunity to challenge herself against top competition while pursuing a degree in business finance and accounting. The conference’s high level of talent pushed her to elevate her game, but it also taught her how to balance athletics and academics.

“Being a student-athlete in the American Rivers Conference means a lot to me,” Krager said. “There’s a lot of great players, so it really pushes me to grow personally as I work to get better at basketball.”

For Krager, growth wasn’t limited to physical skills or game strategy. It was about learning how to manage time, prioritize responsibilities, and remain focused on her goals. The demands of practices, classes, and travel required discipline, but she embraced the challenge, knowing that each day offered a chance to improve both on and off the court.

“I'm able to balance that with my academics and really work to pursue my career as well,” she said. “It’s helped me become more accountable and driven.”

Stepping Into Leadership

Krager’s freshman year brought unexpected opportunities. Earning significant playing time early in her career, she quickly found herself stepping into a leadership role. It wasn’t always easy, but the experience taught her valuable lessons about resilience, confidence, and humility.

“Getting some playing time as a freshman just really allowed me to step into a leadership role right away,” Krager said. “I was able to step into that with confidence and humility and hopefully be a great role model for others, not only on the court, but off the court as well.”

She learned that leadership goes beyond statistics and highlights. It’s about setting the tone in practice, maintaining a positive attitude during tough stretches, and encouraging teammates to keep pushing. Those moments—small conversations in the locker room, a pat on the back after a tough play, a steady voice in the huddle—became just as important as points and rebounds.

Support From All Sides

Krager credits much of her early success to the support system around her. Coaches and professors at BVU worked together to ensure she could thrive in both arenas, embodying the Division III philosophy of holistic student development.

“My coaches and professors have really supported me greatly in my first year at BVU,” she said. “The professors are cheering you on in your sports and really rooting for you, and then on the other hand, the coaches are there for you and checking your grades to make sure you’re doing well in your classes.”

That collaborative environment helped her feel connected and valued. On campus, the women’s basketball team fostered camaraderie and fun, creating a foundation for success. Even opponents in the conference contributed to the sense of community, offering encouragement and respect in postgame handshakes.

“You’re not only creating bonds with your own teammates but also with everyone within the conference and lifting each other up to be the best basketball players that we can be,” Krager said.

Pride and Perspective

Krager’s growth translated into on-court recognition. Competing in a strong conference pushed her to elevate her performance, culminating in a second team all-conference honor. While she’s proud of the achievement, her focus remains on the bigger picture—helping BVU women’s basketball reach new heights.

“I was really grateful for the opportunities that I had my freshman year,” she said. “I’m very proud of my second team all-conference honor that I received, but I’m really looking forward to the program success that we’re going to have. Getting to that next step, the national tournament, and just trying to help build back the program and make history for the BVU Beavers.”

For Krager, success is defined not only by individual accolades but by the collective progress of her team. She wants to be remembered for more than numbers—for the culture she helped build and the standard she set.

“I just hope that I leave behind the legacy of great leadership,” she said. “It’s what goes on behind the scenes at practices during games to encourage one another to have good attitudes, and to take ownership on the court in tough situations.”

Looking Ahead

As Krager looks to the future, her message is one of perspective and purpose. She encourages others to focus on personal growth and impact rather than comparisons.

“It doesn’t matter where you are compared to others,” she said. “It’s about creating the biggest impact that you can with the abilities that you’ve been given in the most positive way and continuing to build yourself to be the best version of you that you can be.”

With three years still ahead of her at BVU, Krager is determined to keep building—on the court, in the classroom, and within her community. Her journey in the American Rivers Conference has already shaped her into a leader, and she’s ready to help guide the Beavers toward their next chapter.

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