Lauren Kershner ’17
Gymnastics
Mathematics and Biology major
Marine, IL
Favorite campus food?
Frost your own cookies!
Best place to study?
Library
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
I absolutely loved Gustavus when I came to visit, and it has not let me down!
Tell us about your student-athlete experience.
Being a student-athlete is a great experience. I have met so many people that share the same interests as me in both my sports as well as my classes. The team camaraderie and the positive spirit in the gym always boosts my attitude and is a great break from studying.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
Being a student-athlete has taught me how to manage my time well (even if I don’t always do the best job at it). I fit my practice times into my schedule and make sure I get my school work done around them. The coaches understand that academics are the top priority and are willing to work around my schedule as well.
Blake Schammel ’15
Hockey
Biology major
Red Wing, MN
Favorite campus food?
Pizza bagel
Best place to study on campus?
Beck Academic Hall
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
I decided to attend Gustavus while playing junior hockey after I had talked to a few friends on the team. They told me how much they enjoyed school and playing hockey here, and after visiting, I decided it was a perfect fit for me.
Tell us about your student-athlete experience.
My experience as a student-athlete has been unbelievable. First, as an athlete there isn’t a better place to play Division III hockey. The student fans are amazing, our facility is top notch, and the tradition of the program drives you to want to be the best hockey player you can be. As a student, I have really enjoyed getting to know other biology majors and other athletes in my classes. It is tough at times to balance the time commitment of being an athlete and a student, but it is great to have other athletes striving to do similar things with their careers and battling the same challenges.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
I balance athletics and academics by making sure I utilize spare time I have throughout the day before practice. I also have a lot of late nights in Beck Academic Hall working to finish up assignments and studying for tests. During the season, I find myself having to sacrifice a lot of social time with friends in order to attain the grades I want in my classes.
Lindsey Johnson ’16
Basketball
Mathematics major
Edina, MN
Favorite campus food?
It’s hard to pick just one, but I’ve grown to love the gyros they serve each Friday. It’s always a great day when they have Frost-Your-Own cookies as well!
Best place to study?
I love studying in the interaction rooms in Beck Academic Hall. They have a cool, modern atmosphere and are fun places to study with a group of friends and teammates.
How did you decide to attend Gustavus?
Since I was little I’d always dreamed of putting on a Gustavus basketball jersey and playing on Gus Young Court. I am a third generation Gustie, I’ve been raised by Gustie parents, and I was a frequent attendee of Gustie Basketball Camps and Tennis and Life Camps at Gustavus while I was growing up. I’ve always thought of Gustavus as home, and couldn’t picture myself anywhere else!
Tell us about your student-athlete experience.
My student-athlete experience has been nothing but positive. Being an athlete, I am fortunate enough to be able to play the sport I love for two hours every day with my very best friends. It’s an every-day stress reliever and I feel healthier and happier during the season.
How do you balance academics and athletics?
Believe it or not, I find it easier to stay on top of my academics during the basketball season. Being in-season forces me to prioritize my academics. Since basketball consumes so much of my time, I have to plan my studies accordingly in order to ensure I accomplish all of my academic goals and complete my work on time.