Fall Charge -- Caleigh O'Connell (Volleyball)
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Dear Bucknell Volleyball Family,
Everyone who has been a part of the community here at Bucknell – students, athletes, and faculty alike – knows that there is no place quite like it. I never would have guessed that in the small town of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, I would find my new home for the next four substantial years of my life. Bucknell captured my attention with the charming landscape of the campus, esteemed academics, and dedicated volleyball program, but the people have been central in embracing my life as a student-athlete.
I am lucky to be part of a team that has seen our record improve each year since I have been here. It is nice to witness records that we surpass and milestones we achieve, but I never take for granted how meaningful it is to be working towards this with the people who are so important to me; this is bigger than myself. The camaraderie of my team makes the challenging practices and demanding school days more enjoyable. Although it will be difficult to leave volleyball behind when the time comes, I can say without a doubt that the best thing that the athletics program has given me is the lifelong friendships I have made and the resulting personal growth that they have fostered.
With each practice, we come in with the mindset to get just a little bit better but often overlook the intangible things that happen as a result of the process. Reflecting on who I was when I entered the team freshman year to now, my confidence and leadership skills have grown vastly not just as a player, but as a person. I see this strengthened belief in myself with academic endeavors as well, allowing me to take full advantage of the reputable education Bucknell offers. I attribute this development to the unconditional love and support that I receive from my teammates and coaches, as well as my family and friends who are avid fans of Bucknell Volleyball.
It is inspiring to see the genuine school spirit that supporters have for the athletes, firsthand. Even when traveling for away games, hours from campus, it is not rare that we will hear a “’ray Bucknell!” from a stranger across the street. The affection for the school from those who attended the university, or even simply know others who attended, is permanent. Bucknell embodies pride, honor, and a connection with its athletes that follows them decades past graduation. This legacy is what makes our program so special.
Without volleyball, I wouldn’t have been fortunate enough to encounter the passion and diligence of our athletics program. With the generous contributions that alumni, family, and friends of the athletic program have provided, we continue to strive toward excellence each year. The joy of playing my sport, and the intangibles that are a product of this, would not be possible without the willingness of every contributor to our program. With your donations, we can continue to make these unforgettable memories, reach new goals, and uphold the prestigious honor of being a student-athlete at Bucknell University.
Thank you and ‘ray Bucknell!
Caleigh O'Connell
Bucknell Volleyball
Dear Bucknell Volleyball Family,
Everyone who has been a part of the community here at Bucknell – students, athletes, and faculty alike – knows that there is no place quite like it. I never would have guessed that in the small town of Lewisburg, Pennsylvania, I would find my new home for the next four substantial years of my life. Bucknell captured my attention with the charming landscape of the campus, esteemed academics, and dedicated volleyball program, but the people have been central in embracing my life as a student-athlete.
I am lucky to be part of a team that has seen our record improve each year since I have been here. It is nice to witness records that we surpass and milestones we achieve, but I never take for granted how meaningful it is to be working towards this with the people who are so important to me; this is bigger than myself. The camaraderie of my team makes the challenging practices and demanding school days more enjoyable. Although it will be difficult to leave volleyball behind when the time comes, I can say without a doubt that the best thing that the athletics program has given me is the lifelong friendships I have made and the resulting personal growth that they have fostered.
With each practice, we come in with the mindset to get just a little bit better but often overlook the intangible things that happen as a result of the process. Reflecting on who I was when I entered the team freshman year to now, my confidence and leadership skills have grown vastly not just as a player, but as a person. I see this strengthened belief in myself with academic endeavors as well, allowing me to take full advantage of the reputable education Bucknell offers. I attribute this development to the unconditional love and support that I receive from my teammates and coaches, as well as my family and friends who are avid fans of Bucknell Volleyball.
It is inspiring to see the genuine school spirit that supporters have for the athletes, firsthand. Even when traveling for away games, hours from campus, it is not rare that we will hear a “’ray Bucknell!” from a stranger across the street. The affection for the school from those who attended the university, or even simply know others who attended, is permanent. Bucknell embodies pride, honor, and a connection with its athletes that follows them decades past graduation. This legacy is what makes our program so special.
Without volleyball, I wouldn’t have been fortunate enough to encounter the passion and diligence of our athletics program. With the generous contributions that alumni, family, and friends of the athletic program have provided, we continue to strive toward excellence each year. The joy of playing my sport, and the intangibles that are a product of this, would not be possible without the willingness of every contributor to our program. With your donations, we can continue to make these unforgettable memories, reach new goals, and uphold the prestigious honor of being a student-athlete at Bucknell University.
Thank you and ‘ray Bucknell!
Caleigh O'Connell
Bucknell Volleyball