The Lancer Way: Caitlyn Harper
11/24/2020
The Lancer Way is a platform provided by California Baptist University's Athletic Department that allows student-athletes to share their stories. All of the words are their own.
Written By: Caitlyn Harper, Women's Basketball, Jr., Hartland, Wisc.
I was not always sure that I wanted to pursue a collegiate athletic career. When I was younger, the game of basketball was just a fun game I played with my friends. I was involved in volleyball and softball as well and just enjoyed being part of a team.
I had the unique experience of having my dad coach me, from my first basketball team up until my high school years. Having him as my coach pushed me and made me better. As I grew up playing, I started to become more competitive. I wanted to be the best that I could be and be better than the people I was playing against. I developed a strong work ethic and a passion for the game of basketball. By the time I reached high school, I knew that it was my goal to play basketball in college.
The recruiting process was difficult because there was so much pressure to make the right decision in terms of where to attend school. Being from Wisconsin, I just assumed that I would stay in the Midwest area. However, when my club coach introduced me to this amazing opportunity in California, I was immediately interested.
When I came out to California on my first visit, I was amazed. No schools looked like CBU in the Midwest, that was for sure. From the palm trees, to the warm weather and even the buildings. It was a new culture and a new way of life that I was excited to explore.
I ultimately chose to come to CBU because I thought it would provide me one of the most unique experiences and the opportunity to meet people from around the world.
My freshman year had its ups and downs, and one of the most important skills I learned during my first year was time management. I had to balance all of these new things coming into my life and learned that as a student athlete, I needed to quickly develop this skill.
I was excited to be in a new place and to be around such amazing new friends, but I was also nervous for the transition to college Division I basketball, as well as being away from home.
At first, I struggled with this homesick feeling, but soon found my second home in my teammates here at CBU. I adjusted to life as a Division I student-athlete and had the opportunity to contribute to the team on the court right away.
6-foot-1 Caitlyn Harper is having such a good night, she decided to try her hand at point guard...it was a good choice! Harper starts the action with a steal and then dishes to Afu for the three AND THE LEAD!#LanceUp?? pic.twitter.com/IVWItplU0S
— CBU W. Basketball (@CBUwbb) November 6, 2019
My sophomore year, I was feeling more confident in myself on the court and was enjoying every experience I got to have at CBU. As our season came around, injuries took its toll on the team and I found myself having to step into a bigger role on the court. I took this challenge head on and was excited and confident to go out and play with my teammates. The first couple of games were great for us and we felt we had such good momentum to start off the season.
However, a couple weeks into our season, I ended up tearing my ACL in a practice and found myself sidelined for the next nine months. This injury took a toll on me not only physically, but mentally. I was feeling the most confident in myself during this time and started off with a good season, and now found myself in this position. I was angry and frustrated for a long time at first, but I soon realized that God had a plan for me and that this was for the best.
It would challenge me and help me become a better person and a better player. One of the most important lessons I learned during that year was patience and not taking anything for granted. I had to be patient in my recovery process because it was very slow moving through each of the phases. I quickly learned that I could not take the opportunities that I had to play for granted in the future, because I now knew what it felt like to have that taken away.
Being a student-athlete here at CBU has been such a rewarding experience for me and I believe will best prepare me for life after sports. It has given me the ability to contribute and give back to my school and the chance to be a part of something great. What I cherish most about being at CBU is the team, our friendships, and the team culture we have created. We have players from all around the world and the country that each bring unique experiences and points of view and it has allowed me to grow as a player and a person by being around them.
I will forever be grateful for the experience and opportunities that CBU has given me and will continue to take advantage of every day I have left as a Lancer.
