The first Alumni Profile this week features Widener University softball player Kristen Kozak, who is majoring in Nursing (BSN). Here is our conversation.
What factors helped you choose Widener? Widener’s campus and the new nursing building had a big factor on my decision to go there. It was just the right size for me and all the new nursing equipment was appealing and that is when I could see myself attending Widener. Also Widener is relatively close to home.
Favorite class so far? My favorite class so far would have to be Pharmacology. We learned about drug action, and medicine. With the class we had a lab, where we would do hands on activities such as learning how to inject needles.
Most memorable moment from CHS athletic career? You can pick one from each sport you played if you like. My senior year (2013) was pretty memorable itself. In soccer, our team was South Jersey group II champions, Basketball we were division champions, and track & field we were also division champions.
You played handful of sports at CHS. Which one was your favorite? There was something about each sport and each team that I really enjoyed so it is hard to pick my favorite one. But I played softball up until my senior year, but picked it up again in college, so if I had to choose I would pick softball as my favorite.
Which sport was your most challenging to play? The most challenging sport I played was track and field, where I threw shot put. Throwing was something that I have never done before so it was a new sport that I had just learned my junior year.
Favorite movie? Due Date with Zach Galifianakis, always makes me laugh.
Favorite song? Tubthumping by Chumbawamba “I get knocked down but I get up again.” I like it because it reminds me of good times, and it has its own little humor to it.
Favorite class at CHS? I would say American Law with Mrs. Quinn. She was an awesome teacher and I liked learning about that material.
How have you adjusted to the college game? The college game takes more dedication, longer practices and more off season work than in high school. I just had to learn how to balance class, homework, and practice. No slacking for sure.
What’s the most important thing you learned while playing sports at CHS that has helped you in college? I learned how to be a team player, it is important that teams have chemistry and share the same goals. Makes the sport more enjoyable.
What piece of advice would you give to this year’s seniors who want to continue their athletic careers in college? I think it is a great opportunity for them to learn time management, meet a lot of new friends, coaches, and also parents. All of it can help with connections later in life.
What do you miss most about CHS? I miss being able to play more than one sport. Also college classes are way harder.
Who was your biggest supporter during your athletic career at CHS? Definitely my mom, she was always involved in fundraising for the teams, and showed up to nearly every game. She continues to support me in college also.
Image courtesy of Kristen Kozak
