Brittany Bruening

I didn't know what ambition was until I started following my dream to play collegiate softball. And I didn't know what heartbreak was until I watched that dream fan out. Yes, it's just a game, but after letting softball consume my life for 16 years it was hard to put it down and step away. I had to give every ounce of my effort to something that seemed to give so little in return. But little did I know I was learning more about myself and my goals for the future than I could ever imagine. Being a student-athlete taught me the right way to lead a group. It taught me how important composure and poise can be. It taught me how to let passion drive the person I am to new heights. And though I've entered an early retirement, the lessons I've learned will stick with me for the rest of my life. The adversity I've experienced is far more beneficial than I like to admit. But if there's one lesson that has guided me the most, it's that the best way to handle trials and tribulations is with grace and humor. By pursuing new aspirations, I hope to one day inspire young athletes that their dreams shouldn't end when their athletic careers do.