It All Works Out in the End
Sometimes, things are just meant to be. That’s how Steph Strobel views her journey to Midland University.
Steph, a senior Sport Management major from Marquette, Nebraska, took a different path to Midland than many students. She spent her first year of college life at Nebraska Wesleyan University in Lincoln, but something just didn’t feel right.
“When I was choosing a college, it came down to Midland or Wesleyan. I thought I wanted to be in a bigger city, so I chose Wesleyan. But the reason I wanted to go to a smaller school was to feel that community and walk around and see people I know, and I wasn’t getting that vibe. I have friends at Wesleyan, and they have had a great experience, but it just wasn’t the right fit for me.”
She was a member of the volleyball team that first year and wanted to continue playing. That’s when she emailed Midland coach Paul Giesselmann, thanks to a little persuading from her mom.
“I thought it might be weird because I took a visit to Midland my senior year of high school and didn’t end up coming here. But my mom said to reach out to Coach G, and the worst thing he could do is say he’s not interested. So I sent an email, and he told me they would love to have me as part of the team and got me connected with the Admissions Department. It’s been a different path that brought me here, but it has worked out the way it was supposed to.”
Steph has spent the past three seasons as a member of the Warriors’ volleyball squad, which has been one of the elite NAIA programs in the nation. ‘I was a little intimidated at first by Coach G and the program because there are such high standards, and it can be very intense. When I got here, I started to understand the reasons they were so successful. You hit the ground running when you get here with two-a-day workouts, but those pay off at the end of the year.”
Being a successful program, both on and off the court, is made possible by dedicated coaches and teammates who are working to make sure the volleyball experience is a memorable one. “Coach G will always say this, but you’re not going to remember the matches you won; you’re going to remember the people you were with and all the places you went. It’s been a huge privilege to be a part of this team.
“Coach G always talks about recruiting players with character, and that was obvious to me, even before I got here. I had players and coaches reaching out to me, asking me if I needed help or wanted to hang out. They all did their part to make sure it was a smooth transition for me.”
Getting involved beyond the volleyball court has been important for Steph. She has spent the past two years as an Admissions Ambassador and recently joined the Student Athletic Advisory Committee. Part of her work being an Ambassador involves meeting with families and giving tours to prospective students, something she enjoys being a part of. “I love getting to know families and learning what they are all about. Everyone is different, and they all care about different things and ask different questions. I love using that opportunity to share my experiences and represent Midland because I truly believe Midland is a place for everybody.”
As a Sport Management major, Steph loves the coaching and administrative side of sports and could see herself working as an Athletic Director at a high school. “I enjoy working with high school students and would love to be part of that experience.”
She’s glad her own experience brought her to Midland, even if it was a little later than usual. “Even if it took an extra year, I’m glad it worked out the way it did. Midland has given me a second chance to play the sport I love and get a degree. I’m very thankful.”
Steph Strobel is a senior Sport Management major from Marquette, Nebraska.
