Still in the Game

Transcript

Soccer captain Luke was drawn to Hanover by the opportunity to continue playing his favorite sport at a high level. Celebrating victories and even a historic tournament run have not been the only things Luke has experienced since donning a Hanover jersey. Got more than you expected, huh, Luke? Take it away.

– Thanks, Alex. What’s going on, guys? Coming out of high school, I wasn’t quite sure what was in store for my future but I knew one thing, I wanted to play college soccer. My senior year, I visited Hanover and spent the day with Coach Wilkerson touring the campus. And I was sold. I wanted to play for the Panthers. I will always cherish every season I got to play for Hanover College, but my senior year specifically was very special. We played the conference championship game at home and won it in dramatic fashion in penalty shootout. We then went on to the NCAA tournament where we made school history. We defeated two nationally ranked teams then advanced to the Sweet 16. It was the first time in school history. Men’s soccer is not the only team that has shown recent success. Many of our sports teams often win their conference championships and then go on to compete in national tournaments. The men’s soccer team has a deep sense of family, players come from all around the world to play college soccer here all the way from Brazil and Paraguay to right here in the Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky regional area. Your teammates become your brothers. You share each other’s ups and downs whether it’s celebrating good grades in a classroom or consoling your teammates when we lose a game. I will always cherish these moments on and off the pitch with my teammates. Playing Division III athletics is not possible without a love for the sport and a love for competition. Winning championships for Hanover College with the people I love by my side is an accomplishment I will never forget. Now back to you, Alex.

– Thank you, Luke, and congratulations on a great season. Nearly 50% of all Hanover students are athletes on one of the college’s 23 intercollegiate sports teams. The Panthers compete at the NCAA Division III level and as a member of the Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference. Hanover has recently earned the Commissioner’s Cup twice signifying the Heartland Conference’s most successful athletic program. Incredible. Take care, Luke.