Michaela Thawley is a junior on the women’s soccer team. She is from San Anselmo, California and has played 43 games in her career. Michaela is the President and VP of External affairs for Kappa Kappa Gamma, the Midwest Conference SAAC Vice Chair, a part of the pre-med club, and works as a tour guide in admissions.
What is your favorite Knox memory?
My favorite Knox memory has for sure been when we went to the NCAA tournament in Wisconsin my freshman year. It was so fun to travel and experience playing different teams within the division. It was so rewarding to walk out onto the field and know that all our team’s hard work and dedication had paid off and that we got to the next level.
What is your favorite all-time memory playing your sport?
My favorite all time memory of playing my sport was committing to Knox College. My freshman year in high school I was told that my size would affect my chances of playing in college. After I was told that I decided to dedicate myself and work harder in order to get to the college level. Once I started getting offers and came to visit Knox I knew that it was home. My signing day at my high school filled my heart because I knew I had proved those people wrong and made my family proud.
What do you love most about your sport?
I love not only getting to play the sport I have grown up playing but also developing relationships with people that I would’ve never met without soccer. I have met some of my best friends through this sport and I love that we get to push each other to better ourselves through soccer and also outside of soccer. The feeling of completing a hard practice or a tough game with your teammates pushing you is so rewarding knowing that everyone gave it their all.
What do you like least about your sport?
The thing I dislike the most about my sport is the anxiety I get before games. Over the years it has gotten a lot better, but it is still something I struggle with before games.
How has your experience with your sport changed over time?
Over time I have developed a new kind of love for my sport. These months with COVID and not being able to play competitively has really made me realize that soccer is something that I am so passionate about and something that is extremely hard to live without. Before it was really something I took for granted. But now that I have developed a new love for it, I am extremely excited to get back out there and play every day like it’s my last.
Why did you choose Knox?
I chose Knox because I got such a home feeling from being on campus. The feeling of family that I got from the girls on the soccer team was unlike anything that I’ve gotten anywhere. The academics are also amazing and I feel like the professors really work with their students and care about their learning process and mental health. I really haven’t seen another university where the professors care so deeply about their students’ success.
What do you love about Knox?
I love how friendly everyone is at Knox. I can go anywhere on campus and say hi to someone and they will never hesitate to say hi back or smile.
If you could travel/live anywhere in the world where would it be?
I would definitely live in Italy. The summer before my freshman year in college, my family and I traveled there and it was one of the best things I have ever experienced. The culture, food, art, and people are unlike anything I have ever experienced. I feel like there was so much I didn’t see and I’m dying to get back and visit.
What has changed most from being a high school student to being a college student?
I think my organization and time management has changed the most. In college you really have to do the work and stay organized in order to do well in a class. Your academics are all on you and you have to hold yourself accountable and stay organized. However, in high school you have a little more help from your teachers and peers.
What do you like most about the Galesburg/Galesburg Community?
I love Innkeepers. My roommate, Haleigh and I spend almost our whole paychecks there because the coffee is amazing. I also love all the antique and knick-knack stores downtown. I love looking through them and finding really cool things.
If you could play any sport (that you do not already play) what would it be?
I would play lacrosse. I played one year in high school but I didn’t understand the rules and I kept getting called for fouls, but I feel like if I got the rules down it would be pretty fun to play!
What do you enjoy most about Division 3?
I really love how the Division 3 mindset is academics before athletics. I think that is one of the best things D3 has to offer. They let the athletes be students and really push them to do their best academically as well as support them along the way.
What is your favorite movie?
My favorite movie is definitely The Lion King
What is your favorite band/artist?
I love Ariana Grande. I went to her concert in December and it was amazing.
***Story courtesy of Knox College***
