As the Salem College school year progresses, several student-athletes are preparing to showcase their talents in the upcoming spring sports! For this article, three exceptional athletes were interviewed to voice their expectations for their respective seasons coming up, while also providing insight as to why participating in sports makes such an impact on their lives.
The first outstanding athlete is Adley Keim, a junior double-majoring in health science and biochemistry. She is a part of the tennis team and is not new to the feeling of her tennis racket’s grip, as she has been playing for at least eighteen years. When asked about her feelings for the upcoming season, Keim states she is slightly nervous about tough opponents yet excited about getting to play. Then, the veteran player acknowledges that a “switch in mindset” occurs in order to stay focused and push through tough matches. At the end of the interview, Keim notably shares her love and enthusiasm for the sport. “I love playing. Like, the feeling when you pass somebody down the line? It is like ‘yesss!’”
The next disciplined student-athlete is Molly Enos, a sophomore who is majoring in exercise science and minoring in nutrition. She is a proactive defensive specialist and has been playing indoor volleyball for at least five years and playing beach volleyball for two. In regard to the upcoming season, Molly states that she is excited to get back on the sand while acknowledging possible challenges since the beach volleyball team is scheduled to play harder opponents. The athlete then points out that keeping her cool is something that will be essential when playing these games, which is also something she has been improving on. “I want to get better each day, and volleyball is essentially my safe space. For example, after my chem quiz, we went to practice, and all the stress just flew off.”
Molley Eno, Salem beach volleyball
Photo Credit: Salem College Athletics
Our final remarkable athleteis Anavi Smith, a freshman with intentions of majoring in psychology and minoring in human rights. Although she may be new to the college’s track and field team, Anavi has five years of experience under her belt. The track athlete professed that the collegiate level of track may be more challenging, but she is prepared to go the distance. On top of that, she notes that the team’s chemistry is incredible as everybody encourages and motivates each other. She concludes the interview with a noteworthy remark, “Whatever Coach puts me in, I’ll put my best foot forward. If there’s a certain number of reps, I could just go one more rep and give my all for this rep.”
Anavi Smith, Salem track & field
Photo Credit: Salem College Athletics
These three athletes are just a minuscule portion of the other athletes who are ready to make Salem College proud with their performances. Therefore, stay tuned to find out more about upcoming games and matches by following Salem College’s athletic department on Instagram @salemathletics.
