"When I was a student-athlete at Drake University, the coach of my basketball team my senior year was Lisa Bluder. Although she only coached me one year, the lessons she taught me were invaluable. She was an incredible role model who taught all of her players how to work hard, with integrity and to give no excuses. She also was instrumental in teaching me, as well as my teammates, how to advocate for continued improvement in the quality of opportunities for women in sport and in all areas of society.

 

As a player, she helped me achieve my highest goals; and her belief in me still inspires me today to not only succeed in my personal life, but also in my professional life. I currently work alongside of her and it is my hope that, together, we are also inspiring the young women on our team, just as I was inspired years ago."

 

"My high school football coach was Walt Fiegel at East High School in Sioux City. He was an Iowa Hall of Fame coach, and I was part of the last varsity group of players he coached before retiring.

He had a famous quote that he'd say a lot at practice--'Tough times don't last, tough people do.' That quote inspires me to this day."