ROCK REPORT
The Nurse at the Net G
iven her first name, it makes sense that senior Justice Wingate was drawn to join the ranks of superheroes.
It’s just that this daughter of a lawyer and court reporter (hence the name) has always thought nurses were real superheroes. That’s why she chose a nursing degree at Rockhurst, where she also has played as middle hitter on the Hawks women’s volleyball team. “It’s the only job I’ve ever wanted to do,” she said. “I have this piece of paper from fifth grade where I said I wanted to be a nurse, because it seemed like nurses are always saving lives.” That said, it was actually volleyball that brought the Toledo, Ohio, native here in the first place. “I had a tournament here and Tracy Rietzke (former head coach) said, ‘We like you, you should play here,’ and I said OK,” Wingate said. “I’ve never been in a new place without a team, so when I came to KC I didn’t know anyone.” Now, Wingate said her teammates are some of her closest friends — experiencing the ups and downs of the season together will do that — making the end of the season bittersweet. She and the other upperclassmen have had to step up as leaders, helping younger students navigate the realities of life as a college athlete in a pandemic. It’s made the team a more cohesive unit, something Wingate stresses when talking about being named to the D2CCA (Conference Commissioner’s Association) All-Midwest Region Second Team at the end of this season. “As a middle, you have to be a good pass and a good set,” she said. “So I’m really proud of these awards, but it really shows how good my teammates are.”
Justice Wingate, senior
Wingate said she has a particular bond with setter Gabbie Inman, a fellow nursing student. Having someone who was going through the same rigorous curriculum and clinicals in addition to the team’s schedule made it all a little easier. Together, the pair also helped in a monumental way a year ago, volunteering to deliver some of the first COVID-19 vaccines in the area. Wingate said she jumped at the opportunity to be part of history and do some good. “It was the first shot I ever gave a human and I was so nervous,” she said, laughing. “I’m a pro now, but it’s definitely one I’ll never forget.”
“As a middle, you have to be a good pass and a good set. So I’m really proud of these awards, but it really shows how good my teammates are.” —Justice Wingate, senior
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