The Blain File
Team Captain sophomore, junior and senior year for Evansville High School … Selected Varsity MVP ... Second Team All-Conference selection … Ver Kuilen Leadership Award recipient ... Athletic Excellence Award honoree … Member of National Honor Society … National Merit Scholar ... Valedictorian of Evansville High School
As a Scot
Dean’s List recipient … Co-captain of Triathlon Club … Co-captain of Macalester Nordic Ski Team … Member of Adelante student organization … Studied abroad in Cochabamba, Bolivia during Spring 2014
Why did you choose to attend Macalester?
I chose Macalester because of the international focus. I'd dreamed of studying abroad since I was in elementary school and Mac offered me a chance to pursue that dream, in addition to playing the sport I love and taking excellent classes.
What has your experience at Macalester meant to you so far?
So far, Macalester has opened my mind to new ideas and experiences. My classes have pushed me academically and intellectually and taught me to think on a broader scale.
How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester helped shape you as an individual?
Being a student-athlete at Mac has taught me invaluable leadership skills, from the upperclassmen and then from being an upperclassman myself, both on the field and also academically. Being part of a team like the soccer team at Mac has shown me the importance of being available to my teammates and playing an important role in the community, whether or not I'm on the field.
How has your experience as a student-athlete at Macalester prepared you for life after graduation?
Being a student athlete at Mac has helped me refine my work ethic and taught me that hard work pays off, both in the classroom and on the field. I'm more prepared to work as a member of a team, and to work intensely with teammates to achieve our goals. I've learned the importance of sacrifice for others, my team, my colleagues or my family. I'm more likely to recognize that every person has something to contribute after being on a team where every single player is valued.
