Embedded Files
11/05/2025
Introduction
Introduction
I entered the IU Indianapolis Honors College in the Spring of 2024 as a transfer student-athlete, trying to balance my academic ambitions with the demands of competing as a Division I goalkeeper. At that time, my goals centred on proving myself in a new environment, both in the classroom and on the field, while exploring what the Honors College could offer me in terms of personal growth and opportunity. Looking back now as my college graduation approaches, I see how that early mindset has evolved into a more apparent professional identity, a more refined set of academic and athletic goals, and a stronger sense of community responsibility.
Original H200 Statement
Original H200 Statement
The intersection between academic and athletic success comprises my personal ambition, so as to not only further my own career, but also to contribute to the collaborative group encompassed by the Honors college, the wider community of Indianapolis and beyond. The Honors college at IU Indianapolis has become an integral part to my growth and development, supporting my academic and professional progression. Previously, I have generally relied on my tenacity and steely discipline to accomplish my goals, although I now recognise the necessity of partnership and association for triumph in all elements of an Honors student's life. As I grow my network and expand my professional relations, the prospect of contributing to the collective has become ever more prevalent, whether that be within the Honors college, an athletic team or a more extensive united public group. Consequent of the adversity I’ve faced along the way, sacrifice has been a perpetual figure in my journey thus far. The foregoing of typical social activities that a college age student may chase has been fundamental in my pursuit of attainment both in the classroom and out on the field. The dedication required to uphold the standards and expectations of the IU Indy Honors college fits neatly into my personal disposition.
Receiving the Iron Jaguar award with fellow soccer standout, Emma Frey
During my short tenure at IU Indianapolis, I have interacted extensively with professors in the schools of Health and Exercise science, participating in research that has provided me with a skillset that is consistent with the IU Honors college: that of personal and social responsibility, as well as the propensity to work well in diverse, multidisciplinary teams. More recently, interactions with professors in my fields of interest have broadened my understanding of honors and the affiliated sense of privilege and responsibility that should accompany any academic activity. Working through two Honors contracts in my first semester as an Honors student certainly acquainted me with the expectations of Honors students, with regards to the quality and quantity of work you are presumed to produce. My self-imposed standards have continued to rise through my involvement with the IU Indianapolis honors college and my path to academic success through research and internship involvement is clearer than ever.
Although success remains the ultimate goal, my personal humility and integrity has been challenged and expanded through my work with Team Impact; a non-profit organization which connects children with serious and chronic illness with NCAA athletic teams around the country. I have had the pleasure of representing my soccer team as a leader in this collaboration, spending significant time with a young man named Josiah who continues to battle an inoperable, malignant brain tumour. Being able to enjoy activities with Josiah has had an immense impact on my outlook of my own life, showcasing the importance of perspective and attitude.
Heading towards completion in the Honors program will provide me with opportunities to further my interpersonal skills, and hone the qualities of accountability, sacrifice and inclusivity that I have garnered over my soccer career, including the past 3 years in collegiate soccer. I wholeheartedly believe that the combination of athletic grit and academic trial has sculpted my distinctive disposition and psyche. The composition of my character and uniquely crafted skillset has propelled me to success in all aspects of my life, and I eagerly anticipate the evolution of those characteristics which have most supported my journey.
When I wrote my H200 statement, I was a newly transferred student athlete from Furman University adjusting to life at IU Indianapolis. I had just joined the Honors College and was learning how to balance the demands of being a Division I goalkeeper with the expectations of an accelerated academic track. At that time, I was eager to prove myself in a new environment, establish connections with professors, and explore opportunities in research and professional development that had the potential to shape my future.
Updated Statements
Updated Statements
I Am:
I am an Honors College student-athlete at IU Indianapolis, majoring in Health and Human Sciences with a 4.0 cumulative GPA, which I intend to graduate with. I am both a Division I goalkeeper and an aspiring professional in the field of strength and conditioning, with experience in undergraduate research, professional-level internships, and leadership through sport, community engagement and student organisations.
I Want to Become:
I aspire to become a leader in the field of physiological performance and athletic development, utilising evidence-based practices to optimise the health and success of others. While I continue to pursue my dream of playing professional soccer, I am preparing for graduate study and the NSCA Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) credential as long-term steps toward a career in coaching, research, and mentorship.
Reflection
Reflection
Revisiting my original H200 statement highlights how much I have grown since joining the Honors College, despite my fast-tracked path through IU Indy Honors. At that moment in time, I focused heavily on discipline, sacrifice, and my ability to balance athletics with academics. While those qualities remain central to who I am, my perspective has expanded. I now recognise the value of collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement not only for success, but for fulfilment. My time in service with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) at IU Indianapolis has genuinely been a blessing. Leading an increasingly large group full of inquisitive and hungry student athletes has been tremendous for my personal growth, but also for my appreciation of fellowship and community.
Since H200, I have completed internships with the University of Dayton athletic department as well as the National Institute for Fitness & Sport, contributed to research in health and exercise science, and ultimately strengthened my academic record while competing at the highest level of collegiate soccer. My work with organisations like Team Impact has deepened my sense of purpose, teaching me the importance of empathy, humility, and a broader perspective.
Today, I see myself not just as a disciplined individual striving toward personal goals, but as a future professional prepared to contribute to the advancement of others in the community. My Honors journey has transformed initial ambition into a focused vision, preparing me to step into the next stage of my career and life with clarity, integrity, and a passionate confidence in my own abilities.
Journey Map
Journey Map
Introduction
Introduction
When I first joined the IU Indianapolis Honors College as a transfer student, I was challenged to think intentionally about the experiences, influences, and aspirations that would shape my academic and athletic journey. One of the first ways I did this was by creating a Journey Map in H200. This exercise enabled me to identify my mentors, outline anticipated challenges, and visualise both my personal goals and the opportunities ahead. This map serves as a snapshot of who I was when I entered the Honors College: a motivated student-athlete navigating change while aspiring toward excellence both on the field and in the classroom. Analysing this artifact facilitates personal reflection on my journey through the Honors College at IU Indianapolis, as well as how my attitude and aspirations have evolved.
My Original H200 journey map
My Original H200 journey map
My Actual honors journey map
My Actual honors journey map
Reflection
Reflection
Looking back at my original Journey Map from H200, one of the most striking differences is the level of direction and clarity I now have compared to when I first joined the Honors College in Fall 2024. At that time, I had numerous aspirations: professional soccer, strength and conditioning, research, service, leadership, and personal growth. In spite of the magnitude of my aspirations, I had very little sense of how those goals would take shape in reality. My map was filled with influences, challenges, and ideas, but they were more theoretical than tangible or actionable.
Over the past year and a half, my actual journey through Honors has transformed those ambitions into concrete steps and achievements. The milestones highlighted on my updated map (such as internships at the University of Dayton and NIFS, published and ongoing research with Dr. Kaushal, Honors contracts that pushed me outside of the classroom, and leadership roles within both my soccer team and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes) show that I have not only held on to those same big ideas, but also found direction and pathways to pursue them.
Another clear contrast is the shift from independence to collaboration. In H200, I emphasised discipline, sacrifice, and self-reliance. Those qualities are still part of me and continue to be essential to my character as a student athlete. However, my actual journey has underscored the importance of working with professors, teammates, mentors and a variety of other individuals throughout my journey. These partnerships gave me guidance, broadened my perspective, and made my progress possible.
Most importantly, I now have a clearer sense of how I will move forward. Professional soccer remains my top priority, but I have also simultaneously built the academic foundation and practical experience to pursue a career in strength and conditioning. Where my first Journey Map reflected potential, my updated version reflects progress, preparation, and readiness for the future.
THEN: Intentions (H200)
THEN: Intentions (H200)
- Ambitions, many paths
- Heavy on self-discipline
- Limited concrete steps
NOW: Direction & Progress
NOW: Direction & Progress
- Clear route to goals
- Internships +research +leadership
- Evidence of outcomes
NEXT: Action Plan
NEXT: Action Plan
- CSCS + master’s prep
- Pro soccer pursuit
- S&C career pathway
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