Upon graduating high school in West Burlington, Iowa, Alyssa Pfadenhauer (鈥23) took her time selecting a college. After a successful track & field career ended with a torn quadricep muscle, she was uncertain about how successful she could come back as a competitive runner and where that might be.
Enter Matt Jones (鈥05), women鈥檚 track & field head coach.
鈥淐oach Jones said he believed in me and felt I could come back stronger, but it would happen on my schedule,鈥 she said. 鈥淗e made it clear that I could take the time I needed before I was ready to run. I didn鈥檛 feel the pressure that I had to come in and compete immediately in my first year. He made me feel comfortable knowing that I was coming to a place that acknowledged my needs over needing me to come in and fill a spot.鈥
With that piece of mind knowing she wouldn鈥檛 be rushed back too quickly, Pfadenhauer made a campus visit that finalized her decision.
鈥淲hen I was on campus, I felt happy and safe. I knew this was the place I wanted to be for the next four years. Four years later, it still feels right,鈥 she smiled.
In those four years, Pfadenhauer has been a member of three NCAA Division III Women鈥檚 Track and Field National Outdoor team championships and one indoor team title. She trusted in her teammates and coaches and has far exceeded her own expectations.
Pfadenhauer鈥檚 individual accolades on the track are numerous. In addition to the four team titles, she has four individual and relay national titles to go with six American Rivers Conference titles. She has also earned ten All-American honors and multiple All-Academic nods. She is also the school record holder in the 400m in both indoor and outdoor competitions.
Upon hearing the list of her accomplishments, Pfadenhauer鈥檚 reaction is a mix of humbleness and ambition.
鈥淲hen I hear that all together, it reminds me that I have accomplished so much, but I also feel like there is so much more for me to achieve. It sounds funny, but it is like I forget that I did all of that. I still get nervous before events because, even though I have won them before, that was in the past. I probably don鈥檛 give myself enough credit for everything so far, but I鈥檓 not done yet,鈥 she said.
Pfadenhauer鈥檚 success is not limited to the track. A double major in social work and psychology with a minor in coaching, she has thrived in the experiential learning opportunities provided to her. She is grateful for the multitude of chances to get out into the Dubuque community and learn first-hand.
鈥淲e get to do a lot of in-person events and experiences in the community and get involved,鈥 she explained. 鈥淲e have gone to the capitol, held regular conversations with individuals at a nursing home and there are more happening all the time. They are all amazing experiences that I wouldn鈥檛 get outside of Loras鈥 social work program.鈥
One of the most beneficial experiences has been her internship at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dubuque. When she is there, she is able to interact with local kids while helping them through problems and serving as a role model. Something about those interactions she feels brings out the best in her.
鈥淪ome of my friends think I am not very patient, but I have all the patience in the world for kids. There are times when one of the kids is acting out or arguing and I enjoy being able to sit down with them and talk about what they are feeling. We can sit there and have a conversation while coloring and work through whatever is throwing them off. I am helping them but is also a big help to me. If I am having a hard day, I can鈥檛 take that with me when I see these kids. It has changed my perspective in how to interact with people,鈥 she said.
That support she provides for the kids reflects the support she has felt throughout her time at Loras. Arriving on campus shy and uncertain of her place, she was quickly drawn out of her shell and found friends and activities to make her feel at home.
鈥淲hen I first came to Loras, they were very welcoming and made me feel like I belonged here. Everything felt so genuine. Every step of the way, I have had someone to reach out to鈥攚hether it is a professor, staff member, or coach鈥攊f I need it and know they are going to listen and care about what you are saying,鈥 she said.
Pfadenhauer is looking to continue running after her Loras career is over. 鈥淚 want to see where my times can take me. I want to see how I do at the Olympic trials and if I can qualify. If I can make a career as a runner, I want to give it a try.鈥
In addition to that, she knows she wants to work with kids.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 know quite how yet, but I want to be working and supporting kids,鈥 she said. There are so many who are going through difficult things and it doesn鈥檛 seem like there is anyone talking to them. I would like to be the one to give them attention have those conversations to help them where I can.鈥
