Maren McGinn

Norwich Believes in You – Finding a Community that Supports My Passion

My name is Maren McGinn. I grew up in Georgia, Vermont, and attended BFA St. Albans, where I was a three-sport athlete. My success and support in high school gave me the confidence to fulfill the challenge of being a two-sport athlete in college in addition to studying to become a nurse. BELIEVE it was my team's mantra from high school. It is forever instilled in me to believe in myself and those around me for good things to happen. I could not have done any of this without the support of my family, friends, and coaches, who have always believed in me.

Playing sports in college has always been a dream of mine, but I could never pick just one. My love for softball and basketball are equal in my heart, and I hope that shows on the field and the court. I chose Norwich because it had everything to make my dream come true. A combination of being close to home, a great financial aid package, a successful nursing program, and the ability to play both the sports I love. I have made a home here at Norwich. A home full of friends, teammates, coaches, professors, and opportunities.

Travel the World – Endless Possibilities to Play!

Northfield is a small town, and there is no doubt about that. Athletics has given me the opportunity to travel to places I never thought I would go to while in college. I do not just mean traveling to other colleges around New England. Every year during spring break, my softball team gets the opportunity to play in the green grass and sunshine in Myrtle Beach, South
Carolina. A full week of competing and becoming a team.

This basketball season, my team had an incredible opportunity to travel and compete in Puerto Rico. We got the chance to see a different part of the world and play teams we would not face while in Vermont. Both of these trips are experiences and memories I would not trade for anything. Even at a small school in a small town, we get to do big things together.

I have had another travel experience while being an athlete at Norwich. I went to Spain for 10 days to play basketball over the summer. It was not a team opportunity, as stated above, but regardless, I could not have done it without the support of my coaches at Norwich. The trip was through a program called Beyond Sports.

I got to see many cities in Spain and play basketball with girls just like me from other colleges across the country. One of the best parts of the trip, in my opinion, was seeing how basketball (sports in general) is so universal. Everyone plays because they love it, and it is that simple. Overall, it was an amazing opportunity, and I met some amazing people along the way.

Future Focused – Keeping My Grades Up & Time Management

My performance on the field and in the classroom is no easy task. I have had to learn how to balance my time and energy through athletics and academics. Time management is the key to completing my studies and preparing my body to perform. There is always work and studying to be done, so finding what works for you is the best place to start.

I have had the best support from my professors and coaches with academics. They understand a busy schedule and are willing to help you to achieve success. All coaches know that academics come first, so it is essential to prioritize for your future. Additionally, my teammates unconditionally support my goals of becoming a nurse and being a two-sport athlete. They are truly the most amazing young women, and they have been the best part of my life at Norwich, I know I cannot do it without them.

Demanding but Rewarding – My Advice for Staying Motivated

My best advice would be to realize that you cannot do it all, and that is ok. Overworking, stressing, and burning yourself out is no way to get the job done. Take it day by day, use your resources, and remember to have fun. Playing a collegiate sport is demanding but rewarding. You get to play the sport you love beside amazing teammates and coaches. As I already stated,
Norwich is my home. I have met the best people through both athletics and academics here. I am so grateful for the opportunities I have had, and I am so excited for what the future has to bring.