About 1% of high school athletes play in college, and NCAA Division II Athletics provides the opportunity to both play at a high level and make the most of the college experience.
Playing for Rockhurst University, part of the Great Lakes Athletics Conference, creates lifelong memories and life lessons. Every Hawk athlete has a positive impact on the Rockhurst community and beyond, engaging in an experience few have the ability or privilege to enjoy.
A former college athlete and coach herself, Rockhurst University Athletic Director Kristy Bayer shares her favorite examples of the contributions Hawk athletes make:
- Their commitment to helping others and living out our Jesuit mission and core values as leaders on campus and in the community.
- Their focus on academics. We have won the NCAA President's Award for Academic Excellence every year since it was created!
- Their commitment to excellence in athletics. I never go one day without seeing one, or a group of them, putting in extra work outside of practice.
- How they support each other in athletics, the classroom, and life. These are life-long relationships being formed.
Now hear from the student-athletes, faculty, staff, and alumni to share their reflections on what participating in college athletics means to them, and how student-athletes impact our Rockhurst community:
- "To me, being a student-athlete is about the relationships and the connections I have made. Through college athletics I have met friends I will have for the rest of my life." - Cassie Coltvet, '23, Cross Country
- "Being a student-athlete to me means being all in and showing up for the person next to you. It embodies responsibility, discipline, and time management to perform your best in and out of the classroom." - Gabby Hennessy, '25, Women's Soccer
- "Rockhurst student-athletes are leaders both on and off the field. Their dedication and hard work in balancing their academic and athletic careers represent Rockhurst in a positive light and highlight them as role models for their peers." - Emily Dale, Clinical Professor of Business Intelligence and Analytics
For more information about being a student-athlete at Rockhurst, visit our official Athletics site, rockhursthawks.com.