College Athletes Share Their Experiences

On Thursday, Jan. 9, Spartan athletes were treated to a special lunchtime program with six recent St. Stephen’s graduates. These college-age alumni returned to campus to participate in a panel of collegiate student-athletes, who shared their college experiences and offered advice to Upper School students interested in continuing in sports beyond St. Stephen’s. 

Panelists Andrew Abhikhaled (Class of 2017, Rice University, cross country/track and field), Anna Hartzell (Class of 2017, Bryn Mawr College, field hockey), Chris Mabley (Class of 2019, Washington University, football), Erin Mikeska (Class of 2016, Rice University, soccer), Riley Nichols (Class of 2019, Trinity College, field hockey), and Kayla Thompson (Class of 2017, Brown University, soccer) did not hold back. They discussed everything from their recruiting journeys to what a day-in-the-life of a collegiate student-athlete looks like, as well as taking their strength and conditioning to the next level. More than anything, though, the panel shared how rewarding it is to represent their universities, build lasting relationships with teammates and coaches, and train their bodies and minds to compete in the NCAA.

Kayla Thompson, who earned First Team All-Ivy League after a thrilling soccer season at Brown, summed it up best. “Teammates become family and provide a safe haven in the hectic world of college,” she said. “Representing your school inspires a work ethic and pride that you will carry with you for the rest of your life. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that will change your life for the better!”

— Chelsea Richards, Sports Information Director
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Phone: (512) 327-1213