2 minute read
Double play
An Ambrose Lion takes his quest for competition to the classroom, court and pitch
Double Play
What does a highly competitive person do when he goes to university? Why, join a varsity team, of course. Unless you’re Adrian Strandberg. Then you join two.
Strandberg, who graduated in May 2020 with his Bachelor of Business Administration degree, made the most of his Ambrose University days. He was a member of the Lions Men’s Volleyball team for five years — captaining the squad in his last year — and a member of the Men’s Soccer team for the past two.
“I’m extremely competitive by nature,” he says with a laugh. “In general, I have a very competitive personality. So sports are an essential part of my life, and always will be.”
Adrian adds, ““Being in a competitive atmosphere, part of a team and figuring out everyone’s role, working hard to identify my own role and find my place … I have a passion for that.”
Strandberg admits that balancing sports (which often included five practices a week and games on weekends) and studies wasn’t always easy. When his academic performance suffered and he had to sit out a year of volleyball, the same drive that enabled him to excel on the court and pitch helped him succeed in the classroom.
“I realized that if I wanted to get back on the court again, I needed to be a better student,” he explains.
“There was a moment when I realized what I was capable of — when I realized I could be a great student.”
His accomplishments didn’t go unnoticed by teammates and coaches. They voted him Assistant Captain of the volleyball team in his fourth year, and Captain in his fifth.
“I learned a lot about leadership in my program, and there was some practical application with the team,” he says.
“I enjoyed the decision making, teamwork and problem solving, and helping to shape the culture of the volleyball program. It’s been a joy to be an influencer.” p
