Mawr Insight: The Scholar-Athlete Experience at Bryn Mawr

For many student-athletes, the journey to Bryn Mawr begins with a passion for sports. Just ask Emma Ryan '24, whose path to Bryn Mawr was ignited at a Las Vegas soccer tournament. "I first learned about Bryn Mawr through my dad," Emma reminisces. "Being from Colorado, it wasn't a school on my radar, but my dad had heard of it and encouraged me to look into it." After a tumultuous trip to Las vegas — “Our flight got delayed and I got there at 2 am, waited at the rental car facility until 4 am, and then had a game at 9 am.” —  Emma connected with a Bryn Mawr coach and set the wheels in motion for her collegiate athletic career. 

 The transition from high school athletics to college-level can be daunting, but for Emma, it was an opportunity to thrive in a more rigorous environment.  One of the most appealing aspects of athletics at Bryn Mawr is the seamless integration of athletics and academics. As Emma describes, "You spend a lot more time doing things that aren't just soccer – lifting, spending time with your team outside of practice." Scholar-athletes at Bryn Mawr can develop a broad range of interests while pursuing athletics. “Here, there are people participating in STEM labs and can easily make it to practice. That balance happens here intentionally.” Still, balancing academics and athletics is a skill honed through structure and support. "It's easier to balance academics and athletics in college when we're in season," Emma explains. "Having the structure is nice because it gives you a framework to build off of." 

At Bryn Mawr, athletics isn't just about competition—it's about community. Emma emphasizes the intentional nature of the Bryn Mawr DIII athletic community, "People haven't ended up at Bryn Mawr by accident," she asserts. "The wider community is unique and intentional, and that bleeds into its athletic community as well." The women's college aspect further enriches the athletic experience at Bryn Mawr. "We aren't competing with men's sports for resources, field time, locker rooms, etc." she emphasizes. "We have access to everything they have access to, and different teams can work out together in the gym, which is great." The athletic community is just as supportive of academic work, even if this is as simple as having a team to study with. “As a team we'll get together and a bunch of us will go sit in a room in Park and study together,” she says. 

Despite the demands of athletics and academics, Emma finds joy in the camaraderie and competition of travel games. "We traveled and played Johns Hopkins, one of the top teams in the country," she recalls. "It was an intense game, but the experience was unforgettable."  For prospective student-athletes considering Bryn Mawr, she advises diving deeper than just the athletic program. "Ask team members about the community and social aspects," she suggests. "Make sure there are opportunities beyond athletics." Emma is actively involved in the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where she serves as Co-President. "We organize social events for all of campus and for athletes," she explains. From mental health initiatives to extravagant formals, SAAC fosters a sense of community beyond the playing field.  As Emma reflects on her journey at Bryn Mawr, it's clear that her college experience transcends the world of athletics. It's a testament to the power of intentionality, community, and seizing opportunities when they arise – even if it means navigating a chaotic Las Vegas tournament at 4:00 AM.