May 16, 2024

Honors athletes value dedication, drive to succeed

Brooke LaFrenz playing tennis
Brooke LaFrenz playing tennis for ECU.

Since the beginning, the Honors College has had a diverse population of students who excel in many different areas. Our student athletes show a distinct commitment to both mind and body through their dedication to their sport and academics. Sam Dewar, Brooke LaFrenz, and Cooper Kleckner represent the Honors College both on and off the field. Dewar and Kleckner are on the men’s cross-country team while LaFrenz plays women’s tennis.  

Although in different sports, Kleckner and LaFrenz both praised the individual competition of their sport. They explained that you must be dedicated and self-driven because it is all on you — a mindset not only relevant in sports but many other aspects of their lives.  

 “What makes track and field unique is its objective measurement of performance. In other sports there is subjective measurement from judges or referees that can help determine the outcome of a competition,” said Kleckner, a nursing major.  

Throughout their time in the Honors College, these students have discovered overlap in values that both the Honors College and athletics share.  

“Never procrastinate and surround yourself with good people,” said Dewar, a management major. “A lot of people on the track team and in classes are smarter and faster so use them to gain knowledge and help benefit you.”  

Cooper Kleckner

All three athletes share the sentiment that the people you surround yourself with are important to your own success. They stressed the importance of connections that are fostered in their academic and athletic life.  

“The positive reputation and life-changing connections are what made me choose to apply to the Honors College,” said LaFrenz, a communication major. 

All of the students spoke about the impact that family has had on their academic and athletic careers. Whether it was from the stands or while doing homework, these students had people cheering for them. In their collegiate careers, this support has grown to come from teammates, staff, coaches and friends.  

“I am very grateful for the bonds I have formed with my teammates. We come into college not knowing what to expect, but through my team I’ve always felt a sense of belonging,” Kleckner said.  

Through this support, these students have been able to develop skills, cope with busy schedules and maintain a balanced life. Whether this is through conscious rest days, spending time with friends or prioritizing scheduling, each student athlete has ways of creating balance.  

Sam Dewar

“Of everything I do, it’s easy for me to push myself, but focusing on recovery by sleeping and eating enough is something I’ve had to focus on a lot,” Dewar said.  

This level of dedication to a holistic lifestyle is something that makes our student athletes unique. They each offer a piece of advice for students considering a similar route.  

“It is so fun and worth it, but you have to have incredible grit and time management,” Dewar said. 

“Be very flexible and take advantage of all of the opportunities that you have,” Kleckner said. “There are so many different connections that can be made and events to take part in. College only happens once.”   

“Explore many different options and have an open mind to find the right fit for you,” LaFrenz said. “Ultimately, it is your college experience so choose a team that makes you feel included and cared for.”