Throughout the fall, the UMAC will highlight a student-athlete from each conference fall sport program in light of the postponed regular season due to COVID-19. Student-athletes will be featured throughout the fall on Mondays and Tuesdays with a focus on one sport today with four or five schools included each day. Questions and answers focus on the holistic Division III student-athlete experience. 

Today's UMAC 2020 Fall Feature highlights women's cross country student-athlete from Bethany Lutheran College (Sarah Johnson).

BETHANY LUTHERAN COLLEGE
Sarah Johnson
Senior
Major: Business Administration

What do you enjoy most about being a student-athlete at Bethany Lutheran?
I love having the chance to grow as an individual in my athletics while also pursuing my degree. The amount of opportunities I have at a small institution has allowed me to develop personal relationships that will last a lifetime and given me the blessing of growing as not only an athlete but as a person.

What is your favorite memory so far as part of your team?
Exploring so many beautiful places around Mankato and getting to experience them with my teammates!

What advice would you give to your younger self in order to be successful?
Stay positive and stay focused on your goals. Take each day as it comes and look at everyday as a new opportunity to grow. It's a good day to have a good day!

What has been the best lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
No matter what challenges you may face, the pain doesn't last forever and you get stronger because of it. Work hard day in and day out, and realize all the blessings you have right in front of you.

What has been one of your favorite academic pursuits at Bethany Lutheran?
Having professors truly care about helping me find an area of study I would enjoy and excel in after switching majors several times and realizing where I could be happiest in a career!

What is one word you would use to describe your team? 
Family.