By Madison Canez, Staff Writer
When I first committed to Newman University for softball, never in a million years did I think I'd spend four years in Kansas, let alone come to call it home.
I’m originally from Arizona, and to be honest, I once considered the Midwest a place I’d avoid at all costs. I pictured Kansas as endless fields full of cows with not much else going on. But that image couldn’t have been further from the truth. Looking back now, I can confidently say that choosing Newman was a good decision.
Freshman year definitely came with its challenges, one of the biggest being a major scheduling mix-up. My academic advisor at the time mistakenly placed me in several classes that required prerequisites I hadn’t taken yet.
It left me overwhelmed and confused, especially as a first-year student trying to adjust to college life in a brand-new state. I had to scramble to catch up and shift my schedule around, which added a lot of stress early on. Looking back, it was a rough start, but it also taught me how important it is to advocate for myself and stay organized when it comes to my education.
But since arriving on campus as a freshman, I’ve not only grown as a student-athlete but also as my own person. I’ve found lifelong friends and inspiring mentors who’ve helped shape who I am today, both personally and professionally. Newman has been a space where I’ve learned, laughed, cried and struggled, but I have truly come into my own.
One of the most valuable parts of my experience has been the people. My close circle of friends has made these four years unforgettable. From softball to weekends singing along to our favorite songs — with a drink in hand, of course — I couldn't help but feel loved. These are memories I’ll cherish forever. I wouldn’t trade those friendships for the world.
Academically, my journey has had its ups and downs. I double majored in both sports communication and marketing, but the marketing program was unfortunately cut before I graduated. That change was tough. I had some incredible adjunct professors in my sports communication major. Among them was Professor Augusto “Cookie” Rojas, who works in Major League Baseball and taught my Special Projects in Public Relations course. As a regional supervisor for Major League Baseball, he oversees the day-to-day management of local operations and has continued to be a valued mentor to me.
But I’ve often felt upset and frustrated since the marketing program was cut because I wasn’t able to get hands-on experience. Some classes boiled down to only reading chapters and summarizing them, which felt more like busywork than preparation for a career in sports marketing.
Still, I didn’t let those challenges define my experience. If anything, they pushed me to seek out opportunities beyond the classroom. Through internships with the Wichita Wind Surge and my upcoming internship with the National Baseball Congress, I’ve gained real-world experience in the sports industry, experience I know will serve me well in my future career.
Living in Wichita has also opened my eyes to a welcoming community filled with opportunities for growth. Whether it was through networking events, internships or community involvement, I’ve been able to explore my passion for sports marketing in ways I never expected.
As I prepare to graduate, I’m filled with gratitude for the friends who became family, the professors who believed in me, and the unexpected journey that brought me from Arizona to Kansas. Newman University may not have been part of my original plan, but it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be.
My biggest takeaway from my time at Newman has been learning how to adapt quickly in the face of constant cuts and changes. But more importantly, it’s been realizing just how essential it is to advocate for yourself every step of the way.
PHOTO: Madison Canez
