New perspectives are brought to Elmhurst athletics by new student-athletes

Elmhurst University welcomes student athletes from all over the country, and some from all over the world. Each first-year athlete brings unique experiences and memories that enrich the EU community.

Kadin Cornell, new offensive lineman, looks forward to playing for the Elmhurst University football program. 

Cornell has goals for his team and for his time at EU. The goals include,“Hopefully just making the team better. We haven’t been great recently, but getting more talent in, hopefully winning.” said Cornell

His experience in high school might help him with that goal. Cornell was a three-year varsity starter and he received All-Conference his senior year. 

Cornell fondly remembers winning his senior year Homecoming game against a tough school. Hopefully, he has a similar game during his time at EU.

Cornell chose to play for EU’s football team because of the coaches, and he is not the only one. 

One of the reasons Molly Roberts chose Elmhurst University cross country was for Head Coach Jordan Bartolazzi. 

Roberts said, “I thought out of all the coaches I had met with, he was the most welcoming. Regardless of my times in high school, he was like ‘you can improve in college and you will get better. We will build a good program for you to get you better’.” 

Roberts is excited to create another cross-country family and to see just how much she can accomplish. She is also a fan of how close the team is, which is similar to her high school team.

Despite being the only senior on her cross country team in high school, during senior night her team still made sure to celebrate her at their dual meet, involving the competing team in the celebration as well.

Graphic by- Abbey Mark

“I didn’t think I was going to get that and I feel like cross is one of the only sports where that will happen,” said Roberts.

Similar to Roberts’ experience, Preston Bailey’s high school cross country team had a close-knit atmosphere. was why his favorite high school memory was of his graduated seniors surprising him with their support at his last race.

Bailey believes there is a family culture in cross country, and that is what makes it special to him.

“It’s a sport where the work that you put in, you should expect to see those results, so I’m a big believer in that,” said Bailey.

He hopes to help his new team with the leadership skills he gathered from being the captain of three sports his senior year. 

“I’m here kinda for myself to develop my times and my running career for myself. Position doesn’t really matter to me, but I’m also here to be a part of the team,” stated Bailey.

He stated that while Elmhurst University was not his first choice,  his decision to attend EU, “…was 100% the correct decision.”