Seniors’ Seasons May Have Ended, But Not Their Goals

As May 5 nears, graduating seniors prepare themselves for what will be their last day of college and take a step forward into the world as educated men and women with degrees. For the athletes in particular, this will be their last season playing in a collegiate level sport before entering the work force. For many of these senior athletes, their sports have been their lives, consuming their time since the day their passion started. They have grown up playing the game and have dedicated countless hours.

For some, graduation means the end of their athletic career and the beginning of a next chapter. For others, their talent and passion has opened up doors to pursue a professional career in the sports industry or to become a part of it. Whatever it is, these athletes reflect on their past seasons at Vanguard and their plans after graduation.

Kathleen McDonald – Soccer-

Major: Communication
Years playing current sport: 18
What is your biggest accomplishment in your collegiate sport experience? “Winning the GSAC tournament and getting to compete for the national title in Alabama. It was the first time the Lion’s women soccer team had gone to the national tournament and it was amazing that I could be a part of that legacy.”
How do you feel about having had your last season this year, with graduation near? “There is nothing more depressing than knowing that you won’t have the same “family” experience that you had during playing on a team. All I have ever known was soccer and school and even though they’re both ending, I’m excited for what is to come. Although I won’t be play soccer at Vanguard anymore, the lessons I’ve learned and the friendships I’ve made will help me in my future plans.”
What are your plans after graduation? “I’m moving to LA to work for a wedding/events planner. She works for the W Hotel, as well as special events for the 49ers, Chargers, Raiders, and is doing the upcoming Super Bowl. I’m very excited for the next chapter of my life!”

Brandon Young –Baseball-

Major: Accounting
Years playing in current sport: 17
Where do you draw your inspiration from? “Wanting to be the best at everything that I do, and wanting to be remembered as a positive influence for my teammates.”
What is your biggest accomplishment in your collegiate sport experience? “GSAC and NAIA National Player of the Week against Biola in 2010 and GSAC Gold Glove in 2010.”
How do you feel about having had your last season this year, with graduation near and all? “I think everything has gone just as I expected, and I will be ready to move on once season has ended.”

Stacie Salazar –Softball-

Major: Kinesiology
Years playing in current sport: 17
What is your biggest accomplishment in your collegiate sport experience? “Pitching a complete game win against the No. 1 team Cal Baptist my junior year. A close second is the fact that I’m a three-time GSAC Pitcher of the Week and have achieved that award every year since I’ve attended Vanguard.”
Do you plan on still playing after college? “I think after this year, it’s time to say goodbye to being on that rubber. However, I have a feeling that I won’t totally say goodbye to the sport. I think I might get involved with teaching others the art of pitching and most likely join a slow pitch league. Whatever happens, I don’t think I’ll be too far from the diamond.”
What are your plans after graduation? “I’m hoping to be accepted into an Entry Level Graduate Program for Athletic Training. My hopes are to become a certified Athletic Trainer and to be able to work with any sport. My dream job would be to work with the Angels Baseball organization, considering I’m a huge fan! No matter what, I would love to remain around the athletic world.”

J.R. Bromberg –Baseball-

Major: Kinesiology
Years playing in current sport: 17
How has your college sports team experience been here at Vanguard? “I loved it and I made a lot of new friends with the other players on the baseball team. I’m definitely sad that this has been my last season, but I’ve had a lot of memories with my sport.”
Where do you draw your inspiration from? “My older brother [a starting pitcher for the Minnesota Twins minor league].
What is your biggest accomplishment in your collegiate sport experience? “Getting drafted two times by a professional team.”