Grand View senior golfers, Alex Wendell and Elizabeth Wheeler, both hope their teammates and future Viking golfers remember the legacy the leave behind after they graduate. This is the case in almost every sport at Grand View.
When asked what a legacy means, both Wendell and Wheeler unselfishly responded with similar answers. “To me it’s not only what you do, but leave behind. You remember the good, not the bad,” Wendell said.
Wheeler said, “I think of something to be remembered by as you start a new beginning.”
Women’s volleyball at Grand View is home to three graduating seniors this year: Courtney Bliss, health promotions/fitness management major, Kadie Subbert, accounting major, and Kelly Nakandakari, accounting and business administration major.
“It’s crazy to think that (my) volleyball career is almost over. The bond of the team this year is wonderful we all get along great,” Bliss said. She has been playing volleyball for nine years. Her position is libero.
Subbert described her team as, “an amazing group of girls on the team this year and we all get along really well. Everyday is enjoyable when I get to see my teammates.” Subbert has played with the Grand View team since 2011 and described her experience through the years.
“Due to back issues, I took the last year off and now I am playing my senior season,” she said. “We’ve had a lot of success the last five years to get the program where it is today.”
Nakandakari said, “It’s sad to be in my last season with this group of girls because they make it so much fun.”
For most Grand View senior athletes, there is a trend setting in. They want to pave the way for the people behind them and show them exactly how to make an impact on the school.
Wendell hopes that he’s laid a framework for future success when he talks about the legacy he wants to leave behind.
“I hope I left an impression on the senior guys, as well as the remaining younger guys. These guys are more than teammates, they will be lifelong friends,” he said.
Neither Wendell or Wheeler are worried about what life might have in store for them after Grand View and their golf legacy days.
“Sure I’ll be going from eight straight years of team golf and will miss the connections, but I’m anxious to see my future outside of golf,” Wendell said.
Wheeler is not concerned about her teammates and their ability to continue on the legacy after her.
“These girls are girls I know that will stand by a teammate if they are going through a tough time to girls that will joke around with you,” she said. “I know that they will be great examples to new recruits in the future.”
Senior cross country runner Jasmine Nielsen, said “If I am remembered when I leave, it would be awesome, but one of the best decisions I made was joining the cross country and enjoying the journey.”
Being an athlete makes you create your own style and unique perspective on things. Grand View athletes seem to make way for the programs to continually grow year to year.
