Generic Division III Week x IWU Athletic Graphic

D3Week: Hometown Kids

4/7/2026 9:04:00 AM

For many, going to college is the first opportunity in a student's life to experience freedom and living away from familiarity, families, and friends for the first time. It is an exciting and pivotal time in a student's life, especially that of a student-athletes. The Division III experience is a well-rounded one, with its student-athletes valuing and prioritizing several parts of their identities, not solely their athletic identity. At Illinois Wesleyan University specifically, many student-athletes value family and community highly.

Over 60 student-athletes at Illinois Wesleyan University grew up locally in the Bloomington-Normal community. There are five high schools in the community, with each represented at the collegiate level on Titan teams. Seniors Sadie Newton (Bloomington, Ill.-Normal Community), Gage Wolfe (Bloomington, Ill.-Bloomington), and Bree Cordray (Bloomington, Ill.-University High), junior Sophie Lampert (Hudson, Ill.-Normal West), and freshman Sam Keller (Bloomington, Ill.-Central Catholic) reflect on their college experiences as hometown kids.

Illinois Wesleyan coaches, faculty, and staff often interact with prospective students long before they become Titans. Forming relationships is one of the most important aspects of Illinois Wesleyan athletics, and student-athletes at Illinois Wesleyan agree. Newton reflects on how IWU and its people impacted her growing up.

"I came to IWU because of Dr. Lindsey Kellar. When I first started playing lacrosse in fourth grade, she was offering camps and clinics," Newton said. "I had attended every single one since she started the program in 2015, and it led me to make such great connections with her, the IWU players, and other campers who turned out to be my roommates and best friends currently. She always made me feel so special at every camp that she had hosted and made it my fourth-grade self's dream to play for the Titans."

Keller, a student-athlete on the football and track and field teams at IWU, is a McLean County Scholarship award-winner which helps students from the county financially attend Illinois Wesleyan. Keller had a similar experience to Newton as he grew up being coached by and learning from current Director of Track & Field Todd Lowder.

"I started running for Coach Lowder in his track club in fourth grade. Over the years, I have learned so much from Coach Lowder, and we are just getting started," said Keller. "Coach Lowder is why I came to IWU, and I cannot say enough good things about him. He is one of the most genuine people I've ever encountered."

While staying close to home often deters students from attending their local university, student-athletes at Illinois Wesleyan say that that is a big reason that they chose to attend. A senior on the Titan baseball team, Wolfe said, "If you're a local considering IWU, know that the campus feels like its own bubble. You have the freedom and independence to make the experience your own, while still being close enough to visit family whenever you need. It really is the best of both worlds."

IWU can feel like a mile away, but family and friends are able to support their student-athletes at competitions and in everyday life. It is comforting for student-athletes to be able to have their own experiences, but also have family, friends, and familiarity nearby.

Lampert and Cordray of the women's soccer team each reflected on the importance of family and venturing through their college journeys with those they love most.

"I got to continue to watch my younger brother grow up and achieve his dreams and goals as he also plays soccer and is going to continue to the collegiate level," Lampert shared. "I couldn't have been more blessed to watch that happen in real time rather than over a phone. I also wouldn't be where I'm at without the support of my parents, grandparents, and even aunts, uncles, and cousins coming to every game that they can."

"Having my family so close throughout all four years has been a true luxury and something that has made a huge impact on my experience," said Cordray. "Of course, it was amazing having them nearby to come support me at games, but it meant even more to be able to grow and share this entire journey with them. It made IWU feel not only like my home, but theirs as well."

One of the pillars of Division III is academic focus. Undoubtedly, the academic rigor of Illinois Wesleyan is a large reason that many student-athletes decide to stay home. With graduation looming for senior student-athletes, Wolfe and Cordray reflected on how they believe their four years as a Titan prepared them for life after sport.

"The strong academic reputation of Illinois Wesleyan was a major factor in my decision," Wolfe stated. "While baseball is a big part of my life, it won't last forever. IWU has done an excellent job of preparing me for success beyond sports."

Cordray, a University High alumnus, was acclimated to the rigorous curriculum that Illinois Wesleyan provides. "I felt that IWU was the place that was going to challenge me academically and give me the skills to be prepared for a career. Being able to have the student-athlete balance is something I take pride in, especially at this University, and as I am heading into graduation, I believe this university is the best place academically and athletically."

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