Spotlighting Senior Student-Athletes

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

During the spring semester, senior student-athletes who had their career cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic were featured on cspbears.com. Some CSP seniors have expressed interest in returning for the 2020-21 academic year with the goal of competing for their full senior year as the NCAA ruled those student-athletes can retain a year of eligibility due to the lost season.

Here are a few of those spotlighted student-athletes, providing a glimpse into their past, present and future to fans and supporters who were unable to see them compete in 2020. Read more answers from these and more student-athletes online at:

cspbears.com/spotlights2020

Patrick Bordewick Photo by Abraham Schwartz

Kali Kaestner Photo by Joseph Scanlan What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?

Being confident in myself. Coming into the cross country and track program freshman year I was timid and would always think I couldn't compete with the top runners. My coaches and teammates encouraged me and made me realize that I can compete with those guys and whether I win or lose they will be happy.

What is your favorite memory as a Golden Bear?

There are many memories that I have made through my years at Concordia. My favorite memory is becoming an All-American in the 1500m last year in Kingsville, Texas. A close second is winning my first conference title in the mile last year at the indoor championships. And this year at the indoor championships the 4x4 was such a fun race where I was able to make a comeback and win the heat. It was an amazing experience after the race when my team all rushed at me giving me a big group hug. There are many more to choose from but those are just a couple.

Do you have a final personalized message you'd like to share with cspbears.com readers?

I would like to say that I'm thankful for all the memories and experiences that I have gained over the years at Concordia. I have met lifelong friends and professors who want me to succeed in the classroom. I am very glad I chose this school and wouldn't have chosen any other.

PATRICK BORDEWICK

Baseball • St. Louis Park, Minn.

What will you miss most about CSP?

Something I will miss the most is being on campus and close to all my friends. I will miss this year's team and the brotherhood we had.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?

To enjoy every second of it because it will be the best time of your life. Focus more on being a great teammate and friend than being worried about playing. If you take care of yourself off the field and in the classroom, the results will show on the field.

Who is a staff or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?

My baseball coaches Lunch McKenzie and Neil Lerner have left such a positive impact on my life. I have learned so much more than just baseball from these two people. They teach you how to be a great person and they really help set you up for the next 40 years of your life. I am very grateful to have learned so much from both of them.

What are your plans after graduation?

After finding out my senior season was canceled, I decided to return to Concordia to pursue a master's in leadership and management while I finish out my eligibility. After this, I plan to attend a dual master’s and Ph.D. program in behavioral, statistical and psychiatric genetics.

What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?

Make friends across sports teams – you will find so much family within this community and sometimes it is nice to be outside of your team. Also, give it your all – you only have four seasons. That is it. Don't become a senior and wish freshman year you had worked harder.

Who is a staff member or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?

Kristin Bransford has pushed me to be more than I ever thought I could be and has encouraged me as I stepped into various leadership positions. She has always cared about me as a person first and as a student second, which has led to many impactful conversations that I think about often.

Sara Stickler

KALI KAESTNER

Softball • Mukwongao, Wis.

What will you miss most about CSP?

CSP is such a family in every aspect, whether it be the friends you make in athletics or in academics. Everyone is so close and at Concordia you have the opportunity to get to know your professors and everyone in the athletic department. I don't know of many schools like CSP where there is such a strong sense of family.

Who is a staff or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?

Barb from the dining hall. I have never met a person who is so positive and genuinely cares about the students that come to see her every day. She makes you feel like the most special person every time you see her, and that is an incredibly special thing.

What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?

Playing softball at CSP reminded me that the game is supposed to be fun. There are times in our athletic career where we get so stressed about playing well, and we want to win so bad and forget to have fun with the game. Being a Golden Bear reminded me of my love for the game and I am forever grateful for all of the great memories and for all of the fun.

SARA STICKLER

Lacrosse • Stillwater, Minn.

Why did you choose to attend Concordia?

I chose to attend Concordia for a few different reasons. I wanted to play lacrosse, but also have the support of friends and family at home. The science department was another reason! It is a tightknit community full of support. You get to experience each of the teachers as a biology major, sometimes more than once. They have gone above and beyond to make sure I'm doing well in class, on the field, and with mental health.

What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?

As a college student-athlete, I have learned how to rely on my teammates and coaches, who are another family to me. I've learned to always give my best, be grateful in all circumstances and be a positive light for others in the midst of darkness.

What will you miss most about CSP?

I will miss my teammates, research group, my bible study group and the other great teams on campus the most! It has been so fun getting to know other students and student-athletes on campus over the years!