Today we’re talking with a few OHS seniors who will be continuing to pursue their athletic passion after high school to learn about their path, what steps they took to secure these opportunities, and what they’re most looking forward to as this year comes to a close.
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Episode Transcript
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SPEAKER1:
It takes unique talent, drive and hard work to engage in athletics after high
school. (00:00):
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Today, we're talking to a few OHS seniors who will be continuing to pursue their athletic passion after high school.
To learn about their path, what steps they took to secure these opportunities, and what they're most looking forward to as the year comes to a close.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:25):
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Here is your host, lifelong educator, and our superintendent, doctor Leslie Bergstrom.
SPEAKER3: We'll start with introductions. Please share your name and what athletic area you'll be pursuing moving forward. (00:38):
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SPEAKER4: My name is Teagan Simpson. I'll be wrestling and playing softball at Bryant & Stratton College. (00:45):
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Thank you.
SPEAKER5: My name is Delainey Halverson, and I plan on playing golf at the University of Whitewater, (00:50):
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Wisconsin.
SPEAKER6: Hello. My name is Kate Dunn. I plan to attend South Dakota State University in the fall to swim and study medicine. (00:57):
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Thank you.
SPEAKER7: My name is PJ Mortenson. I'm pursuing bass fishing at the University of Pikeville. (01:05):
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SPEAKER1: Where is Pikeville? (01:10):
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SPEAKER7: In southeastern Kentucky. (01:11):
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SPEAKER1: Amazing. Okay. So how and when did you start your particular sport? (01:13):
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And tell us about the path that's taken you to this point right here today?
SPEAKER4: So I started playing softball around probably third grade. (01:23):
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Um, with just like a, a team in my community in Evansville.
And then that kind of led into playing some travel ball during the summer.
Right. And then, um, with me playing varsity my sophomore year here at Oregon.
Um, and I still play travel ball. I'll play this summer. And then wrestling, I started my sophomore year here at Oregon.
(01:47):
And so it's just been three years. Went to state three years.
And yeah.
SPEAKER1: Well, that's a short and exciting pathway. (01:52):
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Yeah. Whereas, you know, softball--a much longer runway to get you to where you are today.
That's really cool. Delainey?
SPEAKER5: Yeah. So I started golf, um, when Covid happened, I was a former gymnast. (02:02):
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Broke too many bones and decided -- oh, my -- golf was my pathway.
Um, but, yeah, I started during Covid. My dad, I live on a golf course, and my dad has always loved golf,
so he really, um, pushed me to play and with no pressure.
(02:23):
Um, but, yeah, I tried out for the team, um, my freshman year, made varsity and was on varsity all my four years and was
captain the last two years. So, um, I've had a lot of cool experiences and playing in the summer tournaments as well,
um, to get me where I am today.
SPEAKER1: That's amazing. And I also think that if you started only five years ago, that's not a super long runway. (02:42):
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You found something you liked that you didn't start as a little kid.
And I think that's really encouraging to people who haven't found their thing yet,
right? The story that both you and Teagan have.
That's really cool.
SPEAKER5: Yeah. Spent a lot of time just practicing to where I am today. (03:02):
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So that's all it takes.
SPEAKER1: Hard work and practice. Okay. Kate, how about you? (03:08):
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SPEAKER6: Um, I have swum for about ten years now, both including club and for Oregon High School. (03:11):
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Sure. Um, both my mom and my grandparents.
Or my grandpa, he, um, they both competed collegiately.
So I kind of know that it's a goal of mine to, you know, hopefully compete, um,
at the collegiate level. But, um, so I started swimming when I was eight.
(03:34):
I had two older cousins, both girls and my brother, who were swimming, um, and a little over a year later they had all stopped.
But I had made close friends, had some early success, and but most importantly,
I was having fun. And that's taken me up.
Ten years later, I'm still in it. So yes.
SPEAKER1: Well, I love that you set a goal really early on and pursued it. (03:55):
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Thank you. That's really cool. All right, PJ, I can't wait to hear your story.
SPEAKER7: Um, I've been bass fishing--or fishing in general for a while now. (04:03):
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Um, my neighbor actually was the one that kind of started taking me out on his boat and just started doing it a lot,
and I really got into it. And there was a senior here two years ago.
His name was Cameron Gates, and he really inspired me, got me into it, just, you know,
competing in fishing and in the collegiate level.
(04:25):
And now I'm going to go do it, so.
SPEAKER1: W here do you usually compete? Like what are some hot spots for fishing competitions? (04:27):
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SPEAKER7: Um down south it's definitely a bigger thing. (04:33):
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Okay. Big reservoirs like Smith Lake and Lake Tenkiller is another big one.
SPEAKER1: Um, where are those places? (04:41):
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SPEAKER7: Um, Alabama. Oklahoma. All right. Um, yeah. (04:43):
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SPEAKER1: So you've had to really travel to get good at what you do. (04:48):
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SPEAKER7: Yep. A lot of traveling ahead of me, for sure. (04:50):
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And. Yep.
SPEAKER1: I love it. All right. So how and when did you start your particular sport? (04:55):
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You know, you've--you've kind of you've started that. You told us a little bit about that. So now I want to get into the college recruiting process.
This is kind of a big deal. So tell us a little bit about how it worked for you.
And what would you suggest for younger students who might want to do the same thing?
Like you had an inspiration, PJ, right? So what would you say to people who are inspired by you?
(05:21):
How should they get going on this? Go ahead Teagan.
SPEAKER4: So summer ball was a really big component of um, getting recruited for me. (05:24):
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So particularly for softball, you'll go to tournaments.
Um, and they'll often tell you like what coaches will be at tournaments to watch.
SPEAKER1: Wow. Okay. (05:36):
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SPEAKER4: So a really important aspect is to communicate with the college that you'd like to go to. (05:37):
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Communicate with those coaches like, "hey, I'm interested in playing for you.
Um, this is my schedule. This is when I play.
I would really appreciate if you'd come and watch me play," you know.
SPEAKER1: So you would reach out to schools? Wow. (05:52):
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SPEAKER4: Um, and so it's also kind of important to have, um, like, social media, like, Twitter is big for recruiting, (05:55):
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I know or "X" whatever it's called now, um, to have like a profile and you can have,
you know, videos of yourself so that coaches can kind of understand what you play like and you can post your schedule to try to get people to come and see
you. And then, so that's how my--I actually got first talked to by my coach for softball.
(06:17):
And then when I went to visit my college, you know, we kind of talked more about wrestling,
what I do and that's how--
SPEAKER1: So then they connected that for you also. (06:23):
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SPEAKER4: How that got started. So really communication I think is the biggest thing, talking and reaching out first and showing college coaches that you're (06:26):
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interested in them, I think is really important.
SPEAKER8: Oh, that's great advice because I-- (06:36):
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SPEAKER1: I would not have known that. So I really appreciate that. (06:38):
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How about you, Delainey?
SPEAKER5: Um, similar to me, the summer is really important leading up to, like, your high school season. (06:44):
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So in Wisconsin, there's the Wisconsin PGA Junior Golf Foundation, and you sign up for all the tournaments you want.
And for us instead of coaches, like, kind of just being there.
It's, um, you would have to tell them your schedule and they would show up to the ones that they're available for.
(07:07):
Um, and then they would come watch you for a couple holes, maybe go look at another recruit,
um, and then come back to you. So it kind of just it varies, um, throughout the summer.
But my advice for people would really just be to, um, reach out to as many colleges as you would like and,
um, have conversations with them, get on phone calls.
(07:29):
Um, tell them what you want and your goals and their goals with their program.
And, um, there's going to be a lot of opinions around you and a lot of voices around you that,
um, sometimes are necessary to be heard, but sometimes you need to listen to your own gut and know what's best for you
and where you want to end up. And, um, your morals and values and what you really want to see in a college for both academics and Um,
(07:58):
Athletics.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Um, that's really wise. And I also appreciate the proactivity that both of you spoke about. (07:59):
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Kate, tell us. Tell us about your experience.
SPEAKER6: Um, so similar to both Teagan and Delainey's. (08:08):
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My process came from a lot of being persistent.
Um, I started my junior year by messaging some schools, but I came from a basis of research.
Um, in Wisconsin, we have something for swimmers called the power index, which ranks how you would compete,
(08:31):
um, at the NCAA Division one championship.
And, um, what it took to win the race s.
And then they compare your times and give you a score.
And so I knew my power index and what I was ranked in the state of Wisconsin.
So I had a good idea of what schools that would be a reasonable fit, such as tuition costs,
(08:55):
culture. Um, I know I talked a little bit about with you, but like Midwest versus the Out East,
right. Um, and just making sure that the school fits your personality and what you want to study.
Um, I then proceeded to get coaches names and information off of the internet, and I would start messaging and just make
(09:17):
myself sound presentable, like, "hello, I'm really interested in your school.
Here are some of my accomplishments." Um, also, I think I messaged a little bit,
just like "I understand that, you know, in college you have to keep up with your coursework.
Here's a little bit about my academic success." Um, it started to get pretty stressful at one point because I was getting like a
(09:40):
fair amount of offers, but I wasn't getting anything from my top school.
Okay. Which I knew would be the best fit for me.
So just like what you guys said, being persistent, if you really like a college,
continuously message them. They look at you not only for, you know, just athleticism and academics,
(10:03):
which is the main part, but they also look at how is your personality?
Are you going to be a cheerleader or do you sit behind the blocks and just keep to yourself?
Do you want to be a good teammate? And showing that you're persistent and wanting to be at the school.
It shows them that you really care and you're willing to, you know, be a college athlete.
(10:24):
You're willing to take the next step. And they love that.
SPEAKER1: Wow. (10:27):
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SPEAKER9: That's very true. (10:28):
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SPEAKER1: Once again, excellent advice. And tell us about your process, PJ. (10:30):
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SPEAKER7: Um, I would agree. Persistence is definitely key. (10:34):
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Um, because you're going to run into a lot of ups and downs along the way.
Um, I started fishing just Tuesday nighters.
Um, just smaller tournaments just around here.
Okay. Getting more into to it. Um, just fishing.
And then I started doing some bigger ones, like Major League Fishing high school.
(10:56):
And I went all the way to Missouri for that one.
Um, representing Oregon. And it was tough.
It's been tough almost every tournament. And then I did the Bassmaster High School as well.
Uh, Smith Lake and Lake Tenkiller. Those were also really tough.
Um, but keep persisting and it's, you know, it'll get easier eventually.
You just got to--
SPEAKER1: Put in the time. (11:16):
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SPEAKER7: Put in the time, put in the effort. And. (11:17):
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Yep.
SPEAKER1: You know what? I'm listening to all of you. (11:21):
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I am really blown away by everything that you're exhibiting related to your communication skills,
your organization, your perseverance. Um, these are all things that are going to help you in an incredible way,
not just with what you're doing now, which is super impressive, but whatever it is you choose to do next,
(11:45):
these skills are really going to set you apart from other applicants.
Just listening to you, I am absolutely astonished at all you're able to do You already to make the things you want to happen happen.
It's pretty cool. Thank you. You're all seniors, right?
And so you're all feeling, um, you know, a lot.
(12:08):
I bet as you get closer to the end of this final year.
So what are you looking forward to in these next few weeks?
SPEAKER4: I'm just really excited to finish up. You know, I'm--I'm obviously excited for the school events like prom coming up, (12:16):
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my last prom, things like that. Um, you know, getting finals out of the way, just getting things over with,
you know, so that I can have one last summer and then, you know, head off and start college.
SPEAKER1: Start working really hard again. Yeah, yeah. (12:32):
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SPEAKER5: Yeah, that's me too. I'm just excited for, like, especially graduation. (12:35):
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I'm just excited for that day in general, just to be, like, honored to graduate from Oregon High School and like she said,
prom, um, my graduation party, just all the things that a senior can look forward to and be ready to kind of start their new phase of
(12:57):
life and journey and, um, so yeah, I'm really excited.
SPEAKER1: Good. (13:02):
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SPEAKER6: I honestly couldn't agree more. Um, I told my parents, I said, "oh, I'm going to be the exception to senioritis." And then I think I (13:03):
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got it double. But, um, so I loved my time in the OSD, but, um, I'm excited also to move on.
Um, in South Dakota, I have a roommate already who's also a swimmer.
Super. And I've been talking to other teammates, and I think we all collectively agree,
(13:26):
like, we're all excited to get out there, to meet each other, to train for the next four years and then,
um, you know, move on in the future and everything.
Um, I'm really grateful for the time I've had here in the OSD.
I think I've been taught meaningful life lessons that I'm ready to take on to the future.
Oh, but I am excited, and I'm sure everyone else here is too.
For the senior signing ceremony in two weeks.
(13:48):
Yeah.
SPEAKER8: That's right. (13:48):
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SPEAKER1: Yes, that's coming up. (13:49):
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SPEAKER6: Yes, I'm very excited. (13:50):
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SPEAKER7: All right, I gotta get out of here. (13:53):
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SPEAKER1: You have things to (13:55):
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SPEAKER10: do, don't you? Okay. I'm ready. (13:56):
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SPEAKER1: Is there anything else about the last few weeks that you're excited about? Other than the ending? (13:59):
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SPEAKER7: Um. Signing? Yes. That'll be exciting. Yeah. (14:03):
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Um, Prom's coming up. That'll also be exciting.
SPEAKER1: Good, good. I'm excited for the signing. (14:09):
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I mean, watching all of you do something that means so much to you.
It's it's really fun for all the adults, too, so.
Okay, now, you started on this a little bit. Kate, what is something you've learned during your time in the OSD you'll take with
you into your future? And it can be athletics.
It can be anything else, just in general.
SPEAKER4: Um, I think one thing would have to be that high school isn't too late to start something new. (14:31):
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Great advice. I didn't I didn't start a sport that I'm going to college for until my sophomore year of high school.
So I think it's really important to try new things.
And I mean, everybody here at Oregon High School has supported me relentlessly.
I mean, even Mr. Pliner keeps up with with my wrestling and my softball.
(14:53):
Um, so I think it's--it's never too late to just go out and try something.
And if it doesn't work, then that's fine, you know? But I think high school is a good time to try things out and see what
works for you.
SPEAKER1: Now you've combined this question with the next one. (15:04):
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So I'm going to ask everybody to do that because that was really smooth.
SPEAKER10: So it was-- (15:10):
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SPEAKER1: Something you've learned and then advice you would give. (15:11):
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And so your advice is try something new.
I love that.
SPEAKER5: Um, I can't even tell you how many things I've learned. (15:19):
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I kind of I mean, all of us are seniors, so we all kind of jumped from sixth grade to freshman year.
So because--Because of Covid. So I've learned patience.
I've learned resilience, self-discipline, organization, all that stuff that I mean,
(15:41):
an 18 year old now will have to know and bring into their life in college and in the rest of their life.
So, um, I've learned so much and just how to keep my life together, and I'm just excited to obviously bring it.
And some advice I would give is just, um, don't take anything too seriously.
(16:03):
I think high school is a big deal, but at the same time, have fun and um, get your stuff done,
but and get a good start in freshman year.
Um, but life's life, you know, stuff happens and, um.
Yeah, just do your best.
SPEAKER1: There's a lot more to look forward to, right? (16:21):
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This isn't it? Exactly. Go ahead,
SPEAKER6: Kate. Um, I think one of the, you know, hardest things for me to grapple when I was in, (16:26):
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you know, high school is that, um, as long as your goal stays the priority, it's okay to give to sacrifice some things.
Like, um, I've had to sacrifice a bunch of things socially so I could attend practice and other things.
(16:48):
And I love my friends. I love my family.
I love everyone that I've met. But there's often--oftentimes where it's like, I know I really want to compete at this.
I want to compete at this next level. I want to do--I want to achieve all these things.
I want--I want to become a doctor. So I want to go and study.
And knowing that I had to, you know, maybe not be able to hang out with a friend or not be able to go to a football game or something like that.
(17:14):
It was kind of hard at first to grapple, but knowing that it's going to help me achieve my goal in the end really helps.
And I want, you know, everyone to know truly that it is okay to have to sacrifice something.
No one's going to hate you for it. Everyone's going to be proud of you in the end.
And my dream has always been to be a collegiate swimmer.
(17:36):
And I know people understand that and they're willing to help me get that.
And so they will understand if you can't come to the hangout or you can't go shopping with them after school,
they understand. And on top of that, too, um, my advice would be to never give up.
I mean, South Dakota State University was the first school that I messaged, and they were also the last ones to respond and make an offer.
(18:05):
And it was about almost a two year difference between when they had responded.
And the first thing they said to me when I got on the call was, "we loved your persistence.
You would not stop messaging us. We were interested in you from the start, but you were persistent and we wanted to test you to know that like we wanted to
see you, we keep on messaging us" and, um.
SPEAKER1: That's amazing. (18:29):
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SPEAKER6: Yes. Thank you. Brookings, South Dakota is, you know, it's a really small Midwest town. (18:30):
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But there it's still an amazing community.
And they have so many things to offer out there.
I mean, it's the best of both worlds a great institution, a great sports town, a great community.
And they all, you know, it has a great safe atmosphere and everything, which is what I desired.
(18:52):
But don't Don't be scared to be the one to message.
You're no little than someone who has reached out to first.
If you were the one to message. Um. Just be persistent.
Never give up. If you want the goal, you can work for it and everyone will be proud of you in the end.
SPEAKER9: Nice. (19:08):
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SPEAKER7: Um. I learned to not really be, like, scared to do anything. (19:09):
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Like, just just go for it. You know, if you want to do something, just do it.
Just, you know, see how you like it. You may not like it to it.
SPEAKER10: And that's okay too, right? Yeah. (19:19):
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SPEAKER7: It may surprise you in the end, but yeah, I definitely learned. Just don't be scared to do it. (19:22):
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SPEAKER1: I bet you couldn't imagine 6 or 7 years ago you'd be going to college for fishing. (19:27):
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SPEAKER7: Yep. I would not know. (19:31):
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SPEAKER10: Yeah. (19:33):
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SPEAKER1: And now look at it. (19:33):
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SPEAKER7: Ten hours away from home either. I just wouldn't. (19:34):
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SPEAKER10: Right, right. (19:36):
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SPEAKER8: That is so (19:39):
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SPEAKER1: exciting. So all of you. Honestly, each one of you is really inspirational. (19:40):
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And I hope that students have an opportunity to listen, because I think they can learn so much from hearing your stories and hearing how
proactive and persistent you were in achieving your goals.
So thank you. Thanks for taking a little time with us today.
(20:03):
I'm excited for you. And we'll certainly be cheering you on.
I hope each one of you to come back for Alumni Day and tell us what the first semester or the first year was like.
SPEAKER6: Thank you, thank. (20:14):
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SPEAKER11: You, thank you, thank you. (20:15):
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SPEAKER1: Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submit topic ideas on our website at OregonSD.org/ (20:17):
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Podcast. You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to get notifications on the most recent episodes.
(20:38):
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
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Today, we're talking to a few OHS seniors who will be continuing to pursue their athletic passion after high school.
To learn about their path, what steps they took to secure these opportunities, and what they're most looking forward to as the year comes to a close.
SPEAKER2: Welcome to this episode of Inside the OSD podcast, where it's all about the kids. (00:25):
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Here is your host, lifelong educator, and our superintendent, doctor Leslie Bergstrom.
SPEAKER3: We'll start with introductions. Please share your name and what athletic area you'll be pursuing moving forward. (00:38):
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SPEAKER4: My name is Teagan Simpson. I'll be wrestling and playing softball at Bryant & Stratton College. (00:45):
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Thank you.
SPEAKER5: My name is Delainey Halverson, and I plan on playing golf at the University of Whitewater, (00:50):
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Wisconsin.
SPEAKER6: Hello. My name is Kate Dunn. I plan to attend South Dakota State University in the fall to swim and study medicine. (00:57):
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Thank you.
SPEAKER7: My name is PJ Mortenson. I'm pursuing bass fishing at the University of Pikeville. (01:05):
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SPEAKER1: Where is Pikeville? (01:10):
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SPEAKER7: In southeastern Kentucky. (01:11):
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SPEAKER1: Amazing. Okay. So how and when did you start your particular sport? (01:13):
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And tell us about the path that's taken you to this point right here today?
SPEAKER4: So I started playing softball around probably third grade. (01:23):
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Um, with just like a, a team in my community in Evansville.
And then that kind of led into playing some travel ball during the summer.
Right. And then, um, with me playing varsity my sophomore year here at Oregon.
Um, and I still play travel ball. I'll play this summer. And then wrestling, I started my sophomore year here at Oregon.
(01:47):
And so it's just been three years. Went to state three years.
And yeah.
SPEAKER1: Well, that's a short and exciting pathway. (01:52):
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Yeah. Whereas, you know, softball--a much longer runway to get you to where you are today.
That's really cool. Delainey?
SPEAKER5: Yeah. So I started golf, um, when Covid happened, I was a former gymnast. (02:02):
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Broke too many bones and decided -- oh, my -- golf was my pathway.
Um, but, yeah, I started during Covid. My dad, I live on a golf course, and my dad has always loved golf,
so he really, um, pushed me to play and with no pressure.
(02:23):
Um, but, yeah, I tried out for the team, um, my freshman year, made varsity and was on varsity all my four years and was
captain the last two years. So, um, I've had a lot of cool experiences and playing in the summer tournaments as well,
um, to get me where I am today.
SPEAKER1: That's amazing. And I also think that if you started only five years ago, that's not a super long runway. (02:42):
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You found something you liked that you didn't start as a little kid.
And I think that's really encouraging to people who haven't found their thing yet,
right? The story that both you and Teagan have.
That's really cool.
SPEAKER5: Yeah. Spent a lot of time just practicing to where I am today. (03:02):
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So that's all it takes.
SPEAKER1: Hard work and practice. Okay. Kate, how about you? (03:08):
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SPEAKER6: Um, I have swum for about ten years now, both including club and for Oregon High School. (03:11):
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Sure. Um, both my mom and my grandparents.
Or my grandpa, he, um, they both competed collegiately.
So I kind of know that it's a goal of mine to, you know, hopefully compete, um,
at the collegiate level. But, um, so I started swimming when I was eight.
(03:34):
I had two older cousins, both girls and my brother, who were swimming, um, and a little over a year later they had all stopped.
But I had made close friends, had some early success, and but most importantly,
I was having fun. And that's taken me up.
Ten years later, I'm still in it. So yes.
SPEAKER1: Well, I love that you set a goal really early on and pursued it. (03:55):
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Thank you. That's really cool. All right, PJ, I can't wait to hear your story.
SPEAKER7: Um, I've been bass fishing--or fishing in general for a while now. (04:03):
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Um, my neighbor actually was the one that kind of started taking me out on his boat and just started doing it a lot,
and I really got into it. And there was a senior here two years ago.
His name was Cameron Gates, and he really inspired me, got me into it, just, you know,
competing in fishing and in the collegiate level.
(04:25):
And now I'm going to go do it, so.
SPEAKER1: W here do you usually compete? Like what are some hot spots for fishing competitions? (04:27):
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SPEAKER7: Um down south it's definitely a bigger thing. (04:33):
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Okay. Big reservoirs like Smith Lake and Lake Tenkiller is another big one.
SPEAKER1: Um, where are those places? (04:41):
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SPEAKER7: Um, Alabama. Oklahoma. All right. Um, yeah. (04:43):
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SPEAKER1: So you've had to really travel to get good at what you do. (04:48):
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SPEAKER7: Yep. A lot of traveling ahead of me, for sure. (04:50):
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And. Yep.
SPEAKER1: I love it. All right. So how and when did you start your particular sport? (04:55):
undefined
You know, you've--you've kind of you've started that. You told us a little bit about that. So now I want to get into the college recruiting process.
This is kind of a big deal. So tell us a little bit about how it worked for you.
And what would you suggest for younger students who might want to do the same thing?
Like you had an inspiration, PJ, right? So what would you say to people who are inspired by you?
(05:21):
How should they get going on this? Go ahead Teagan.
SPEAKER4: So summer ball was a really big component of um, getting recruited for me. (05:24):
undefined
So particularly for softball, you'll go to tournaments.
Um, and they'll often tell you like what coaches will be at tournaments to watch.
SPEAKER1: Wow. Okay. (05:36):
undefined
SPEAKER4: So a really important aspect is to communicate with the college that you'd like to go to. (05:37):
undefined
Communicate with those coaches like, "hey, I'm interested in playing for you.
Um, this is my schedule. This is when I play.
I would really appreciate if you'd come and watch me play," you know.
SPEAKER1: So you would reach out to schools? Wow. (05:52):
undefined
SPEAKER4: Um, and so it's also kind of important to have, um, like, social media, like, Twitter is big for recruiting, (05:55):
undefined
I know or "X" whatever it's called now, um, to have like a profile and you can have,
you know, videos of yourself so that coaches can kind of understand what you play like and you can post your schedule to try to get people to come and see
you. And then, so that's how my--I actually got first talked to by my coach for softball.
(06:17):
And then when I went to visit my college, you know, we kind of talked more about wrestling,
what I do and that's how--
SPEAKER1: So then they connected that for you also. (06:23):
undefined
SPEAKER4: How that got started. So really communication I think is the biggest thing, talking and reaching out first and showing college coaches that you're (06:26):
undefined
interested in them, I think is really important.
SPEAKER8: Oh, that's great advice because I-- (06:36):
undefined
SPEAKER1: I would not have known that. So I really appreciate that. (06:38):
undefined
How about you, Delainey?
SPEAKER5: Um, similar to me, the summer is really important leading up to, like, your high school season. (06:44):
undefined
So in Wisconsin, there's the Wisconsin PGA Junior Golf Foundation, and you sign up for all the tournaments you want.
And for us instead of coaches, like, kind of just being there.
It's, um, you would have to tell them your schedule and they would show up to the ones that they're available for.
(07:07):
Um, and then they would come watch you for a couple holes, maybe go look at another recruit,
um, and then come back to you. So it kind of just it varies, um, throughout the summer.
But my advice for people would really just be to, um, reach out to as many colleges as you would like and,
um, have conversations with them, get on phone calls.
(07:29):
Um, tell them what you want and your goals and their goals with their program.
And, um, there's going to be a lot of opinions around you and a lot of voices around you that,
um, sometimes are necessary to be heard, but sometimes you need to listen to your own gut and know what's best for you
and where you want to end up. And, um, your morals and values and what you really want to see in a college for both academics and Um,
(07:58):
Athletics.
SPEAKER1: Thank you. Um, that's really wise. And I also appreciate the proactivity that both of you spoke about. (07:59):
undefined
Kate, tell us. Tell us about your experience.
SPEAKER6: Um, so similar to both Teagan and Delainey's. (08:08):
undefined
My process came from a lot of being persistent.
Um, I started my junior year by messaging some schools, but I came from a basis of research.
Um, in Wisconsin, we have something for swimmers called the power index, which ranks how you would compete,
(08:31):
um, at the NCAA Division one championship.
And, um, what it took to win the race s.
And then they compare your times and give you a score.
And so I knew my power index and what I was ranked in the state of Wisconsin.
So I had a good idea of what schools that would be a reasonable fit, such as tuition costs,
(08:55):
culture. Um, I know I talked a little bit about with you, but like Midwest versus the Out East,
right. Um, and just making sure that the school fits your personality and what you want to study.
Um, I then proceeded to get coaches names and information off of the internet, and I would start messaging and just make
(09:17):
myself sound presentable, like, "hello, I'm really interested in your school.
Here are some of my accomplishments." Um, also, I think I messaged a little bit,
just like "I understand that, you know, in college you have to keep up with your coursework.
Here's a little bit about my academic success." Um, it started to get pretty stressful at one point because I was getting like a
(09:40):
fair amount of offers, but I wasn't getting anything from my top school.
Okay. Which I knew would be the best fit for me.
So just like what you guys said, being persistent, if you really like a college,
continuously message them. They look at you not only for, you know, just athleticism and academics,
(10:03):
which is the main part, but they also look at how is your personality?
Are you going to be a cheerleader or do you sit behind the blocks and just keep to yourself?
Do you want to be a good teammate? And showing that you're persistent and wanting to be at the school.
It shows them that you really care and you're willing to, you know, be a college athlete.
(10:24):
You're willing to take the next step. And they love that.
SPEAKER1: Wow. (10:27):
undefined
SPEAKER9: That's very true. (10:28):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Once again, excellent advice. And tell us about your process, PJ. (10:30):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Um, I would agree. Persistence is definitely key. (10:34):
undefined
Um, because you're going to run into a lot of ups and downs along the way.
Um, I started fishing just Tuesday nighters.
Um, just smaller tournaments just around here.
Okay. Getting more into to it. Um, just fishing.
And then I started doing some bigger ones, like Major League Fishing high school.
(10:56):
And I went all the way to Missouri for that one.
Um, representing Oregon. And it was tough.
It's been tough almost every tournament. And then I did the Bassmaster High School as well.
Uh, Smith Lake and Lake Tenkiller. Those were also really tough.
Um, but keep persisting and it's, you know, it'll get easier eventually.
You just got to--
SPEAKER1: Put in the time. (11:16):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Put in the time, put in the effort. And. (11:17):
undefined
Yep.
SPEAKER1: You know what? I'm listening to all of you. (11:21):
undefined
I am really blown away by everything that you're exhibiting related to your communication skills,
your organization, your perseverance. Um, these are all things that are going to help you in an incredible way,
not just with what you're doing now, which is super impressive, but whatever it is you choose to do next,
(11:45):
these skills are really going to set you apart from other applicants.
Just listening to you, I am absolutely astonished at all you're able to do You already to make the things you want to happen happen.
It's pretty cool. Thank you. You're all seniors, right?
And so you're all feeling, um, you know, a lot.
(12:08):
I bet as you get closer to the end of this final year.
So what are you looking forward to in these next few weeks?
SPEAKER4: I'm just really excited to finish up. You know, I'm--I'm obviously excited for the school events like prom coming up, (12:16):
undefined
my last prom, things like that. Um, you know, getting finals out of the way, just getting things over with,
you know, so that I can have one last summer and then, you know, head off and start college.
SPEAKER1: Start working really hard again. Yeah, yeah. (12:32):
undefined
SPEAKER5: Yeah, that's me too. I'm just excited for, like, especially graduation. (12:35):
undefined
I'm just excited for that day in general, just to be, like, honored to graduate from Oregon High School and like she said,
prom, um, my graduation party, just all the things that a senior can look forward to and be ready to kind of start their new phase of
(12:57):
life and journey and, um, so yeah, I'm really excited.
SPEAKER1: Good. (13:02):
undefined
SPEAKER6: I honestly couldn't agree more. Um, I told my parents, I said, "oh, I'm going to be the exception to senioritis." And then I think I (13:03):
undefined
got it double. But, um, so I loved my time in the OSD, but, um, I'm excited also to move on.
Um, in South Dakota, I have a roommate already who's also a swimmer.
Super. And I've been talking to other teammates, and I think we all collectively agree,
(13:26):
like, we're all excited to get out there, to meet each other, to train for the next four years and then,
um, you know, move on in the future and everything.
Um, I'm really grateful for the time I've had here in the OSD.
I think I've been taught meaningful life lessons that I'm ready to take on to the future.
Oh, but I am excited, and I'm sure everyone else here is too.
For the senior signing ceremony in two weeks.
(13:48):
Yeah.
SPEAKER8: That's right. (13:48):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Yes, that's coming up. (13:49):
undefined
SPEAKER6: Yes, I'm very excited. (13:50):
undefined
SPEAKER7: All right, I gotta get out of here. (13:53):
undefined
SPEAKER1: You have things to (13:55):
undefined
SPEAKER10: do, don't you? Okay. I'm ready. (13:56):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Is there anything else about the last few weeks that you're excited about? Other than the ending? (13:59):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Um. Signing? Yes. That'll be exciting. Yeah. (14:03):
undefined
Um, Prom's coming up. That'll also be exciting.
SPEAKER1: Good, good. I'm excited for the signing. (14:09):
undefined
I mean, watching all of you do something that means so much to you.
It's it's really fun for all the adults, too, so.
Okay, now, you started on this a little bit. Kate, what is something you've learned during your time in the OSD you'll take with
you into your future? And it can be athletics.
It can be anything else, just in general.
SPEAKER4: Um, I think one thing would have to be that high school isn't too late to start something new. (14:31):
undefined
Great advice. I didn't I didn't start a sport that I'm going to college for until my sophomore year of high school.
So I think it's really important to try new things.
And I mean, everybody here at Oregon High School has supported me relentlessly.
I mean, even Mr. Pliner keeps up with with my wrestling and my softball.
(14:53):
Um, so I think it's--it's never too late to just go out and try something.
And if it doesn't work, then that's fine, you know? But I think high school is a good time to try things out and see what
works for you.
SPEAKER1: Now you've combined this question with the next one. (15:04):
undefined
So I'm going to ask everybody to do that because that was really smooth.
SPEAKER10: So it was-- (15:10):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Something you've learned and then advice you would give. (15:11):
undefined
And so your advice is try something new.
I love that.
SPEAKER5: Um, I can't even tell you how many things I've learned. (15:19):
undefined
I kind of I mean, all of us are seniors, so we all kind of jumped from sixth grade to freshman year.
So because--Because of Covid. So I've learned patience.
I've learned resilience, self-discipline, organization, all that stuff that I mean,
(15:41):
an 18 year old now will have to know and bring into their life in college and in the rest of their life.
So, um, I've learned so much and just how to keep my life together, and I'm just excited to obviously bring it.
And some advice I would give is just, um, don't take anything too seriously.
(16:03):
I think high school is a big deal, but at the same time, have fun and um, get your stuff done,
but and get a good start in freshman year.
Um, but life's life, you know, stuff happens and, um.
Yeah, just do your best.
SPEAKER1: There's a lot more to look forward to, right? (16:21):
undefined
This isn't it? Exactly. Go ahead,
SPEAKER6: Kate. Um, I think one of the, you know, hardest things for me to grapple when I was in, (16:26):
undefined
you know, high school is that, um, as long as your goal stays the priority, it's okay to give to sacrifice some things.
Like, um, I've had to sacrifice a bunch of things socially so I could attend practice and other things.
(16:48):
And I love my friends. I love my family.
I love everyone that I've met. But there's often--oftentimes where it's like, I know I really want to compete at this.
I want to compete at this next level. I want to do--I want to achieve all these things.
I want--I want to become a doctor. So I want to go and study.
And knowing that I had to, you know, maybe not be able to hang out with a friend or not be able to go to a football game or something like that.
(17:14):
It was kind of hard at first to grapple, but knowing that it's going to help me achieve my goal in the end really helps.
And I want, you know, everyone to know truly that it is okay to have to sacrifice something.
No one's going to hate you for it. Everyone's going to be proud of you in the end.
And my dream has always been to be a collegiate swimmer.
(17:36):
And I know people understand that and they're willing to help me get that.
And so they will understand if you can't come to the hangout or you can't go shopping with them after school,
they understand. And on top of that, too, um, my advice would be to never give up.
I mean, South Dakota State University was the first school that I messaged, and they were also the last ones to respond and make an offer.
(18:05):
And it was about almost a two year difference between when they had responded.
And the first thing they said to me when I got on the call was, "we loved your persistence.
You would not stop messaging us. We were interested in you from the start, but you were persistent and we wanted to test you to know that like we wanted to
see you, we keep on messaging us" and, um.
SPEAKER1: That's amazing. (18:29):
undefined
SPEAKER6: Yes. Thank you. Brookings, South Dakota is, you know, it's a really small Midwest town. (18:30):
undefined
But there it's still an amazing community.
And they have so many things to offer out there.
I mean, it's the best of both worlds a great institution, a great sports town, a great community.
And they all, you know, it has a great safe atmosphere and everything, which is what I desired.
(18:52):
But don't Don't be scared to be the one to message.
You're no little than someone who has reached out to first.
If you were the one to message. Um. Just be persistent.
Never give up. If you want the goal, you can work for it and everyone will be proud of you in the end.
SPEAKER9: Nice. (19:08):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Um. I learned to not really be, like, scared to do anything. (19:09):
undefined
Like, just just go for it. You know, if you want to do something, just do it.
Just, you know, see how you like it. You may not like it to it.
SPEAKER10: And that's okay too, right? Yeah. (19:19):
undefined
SPEAKER7: It may surprise you in the end, but yeah, I definitely learned. Just don't be scared to do it. (19:22):
undefined
SPEAKER1: I bet you couldn't imagine 6 or 7 years ago you'd be going to college for fishing. (19:27):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Yep. I would not know. (19:31):
undefined
SPEAKER10: Yeah. (19:33):
undefined
SPEAKER1: And now look at it. (19:33):
undefined
SPEAKER7: Ten hours away from home either. I just wouldn't. (19:34):
undefined
SPEAKER10: Right, right. (19:36):
undefined
SPEAKER8: That is so (19:39):
undefined
SPEAKER1: exciting. So all of you. Honestly, each one of you is really inspirational. (19:40):
undefined
And I hope that students have an opportunity to listen, because I think they can learn so much from hearing your stories and hearing how
proactive and persistent you were in achieving your goals.
So thank you. Thanks for taking a little time with us today.
(20:03):
I'm excited for you. And we'll certainly be cheering you on.
I hope each one of you to come back for Alumni Day and tell us what the first semester or the first year was like.
SPEAKER6: Thank you, thank. (20:14):
undefined
SPEAKER11: You, thank you, thank you. (20:15):
undefined
SPEAKER1: Remember that you can find links to all episodes of Inside the OSD and submit topic ideas on our website at OregonSD.org/ (20:17):
undefined
Podcast. You can find this podcast anywhere you can find podcasts.
Make sure to subscribe if you're listening on one of these apps to get notifications on the most recent episodes.
(20:38):
We'll see you next time on Inside the OSD, where it's all about the kids.
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