Kelsey Risner, senior exercise science major, had a memorable college basketball career for the Lady Bulldogs.
“These have been the best four years of my life, and I wouldn’t trade them for anything,” Risner said. “I would totally do it again if I had the chance.”
Risner is the only Lady Bulldog that played all four years for Union. She has played basketball ever since she could remember.
Risner heard about Union in high school when they sent her packets in the mail asking her to work camps for them over the summer.
“I fell in love with the atmosphere and the people,” Risner said.
Her love of the school and her team have made her want to stay right where she is.
From getting to travel with the team to winning games, Risner had some memorable moments from the beginning.
“I love road trips and staying in hotels and being with the team. That’s my favorite atmosphere to be in with them,” Risner said. “We won the national championship in my sophomore year, so that was a really great time; just getting to celebrate with my team.”
However, Risner’s four years haven’t always been easy. One of the biggest struggles for her first two years was being away from home. Even though she had her team, it was hard being away from her immediate family. Getting adjusted to the life of school, playing on the team and time management were obstacles that she had to overcome.
Coach Mark Campbell has known Risner since her junior year in high school and watched her grow as a player and person.
“She has grown into a wonderful team player and person that God wants her to be,” Campbell said. “She has learned to not let things interfere with each other, and I think that has been amazing to see.”
