My Athletics Story: Alex Gibson '27

Alex Gibson '27 is a math major and a member of Bryn Mawr's soccer team. Below, she tells us about her experience as a student-athlete at Bryn Mawr.

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What inspired you to play sports at the collegiate level? 

​My entire life, I’ve been an athlete. As far back as I can remember, I was on a soccer field or a softball diamond. Early on, it was through the programs that the town had to offer, but as I became a better player, I joined various travel teams. These were often with friends I grew up with who shared common interests, but also teams filled with brand new people, and it was always fun getting to meet new people from other towns.

Can you walk us through the tryout or selection process?

​I am a pretty competitive person and always like to challenge and push myself. When I narrowed down the schools I was interested in, I knew I wanted to continue playing competitively at the college level. I also knew D3 was the route I wanted to take so I could be a student-athlete. I visited a bunch of schools, but I fell in love with Bryn Mawr and the campus. I sent film and my schedule to the coach at the time, and he traveled to see me play in Florida and New Jersey with my club team, and also in PA when I was playing for my ODP team. From there, we communicated regularly through email and on the phone. Eventually, he had me visit the school with my family, gave us a tour, and made me a verbal offer. It was very exciting to know what I’d be doing for college while I was still finishing my junior year of high school. I applied Early Decision 1 and got in.

"​I truly don’t know what or how I would have navigated the college experience—especially as a first-year—had I not had the soccer team."

​How do you manage balancing academics with your athletic commitments?

​I think being an athlete really helps you balance academics because it makes me so regimented. The schedule can be daunting at times, but I always know when I need to prioritize my time to do work and study during the year based on when training and games are. It’s nice to have a team of players who are all going through it together. We help keep each other accountable and will often get together to study and do work.

​How has being an athlete impacted your overall college experience—social life, friendships, or sense of belonging?

​I truly don’t know what or how I would have navigated the college experience—especially as a first-year—had I not had the soccer team. It definitely helped coming in with a great friend who I have played club soccer with for years, but the bonds formed during preseason before the actual school year even started went such a long way. I got to meet so many like-minded people with the same goals and aspirations.

What’s the team culture like, and what do you think makes athletics at Bryn Mawr unique?

​The culture is great. Even the athletes of other sports are so supportive of each other. I think there is definitely a bond between the student-athletes. It really is a lot sometimes to navigate our education and athletics, but it’s something I am not only proud of myself for, but also for my teammates and other athletes on campus.

​What advice would you give to a high school student who’s considering playing sports at the college level?

​I would ask students how they handle being a student-athlete at the high school level. I’d ask if they are able to keep their grades up while having games and practices pretty much all year, which is the case for a lot of sports in today’s day and age. I would tell them it’s demanding, but the reward of the friendships you make and the sense of accomplishment you feel by being able to handle the workload of it all is really something that makes you feel pride.

​What do you wish you had known before coming in as a student-athlete?

​I wish I had known that I would have a lot more support than I thought I would. I was nervous coming into it, but looking back, I really shouldn’t have been.

​Looking back, what are you most proud of on your athletic journey so far?

​I’ve had to deal with a lot of injuries, but I have such supportive family, teammates, and coaches. I am proud that I’ve been able to push through, and I’m looking forward to my fourth and final year of collegiate soccer.