By Tyler Conkright / Staff Writer

Missouri Valley College stands out as a college with many student athletes. The high number of athletes has an impact on the college and makes the environment different from others. 

Colleen Smith is a fine arts professor at Missouri Valley that also participated in a sport during her time in college. She is able to talk on what kind of mindset athletes should have toward their studies.

“I know what that balance is,” Smith said. “That balance is difficult for sure. Playing a sport in college is basically like having a full time job in addition to your studies, but both are really important and your studies are even more important because sports just gets you here. And it might get you further afterwards like you might go pro but the chances of that are a lot slimmer than what your academics can do.”

Mariona Bolao is a student at Missouri Valley that does not participate in a sports team, yet speaks positively on how campus functions due to the high number of athletes.

“Having so many athletes is what drives the spirit to win here, so I think that is why we have so many events,” Balao said. 

Smith also agrees that this drive can lead to success. 

“I have many awesome students who are athletes and part of that is they are very disciplined in their sport and that carries over into the classroom,” Smith said .

Along with creating a competitive drive, a school of mostly athletes brings in a diversity that you do not see at all colleges. 

“I think the amount of athletes is what brings in students from other countries for their sport,” said Maisie Harrhy, a student from Wales. “It really made it easier for me to meet other students from different countries like me. It helped me fit in instead of feeling like an outsider.”