The 2026 senior spotlight
Senior athletes at the University of Dallas have learned as much on the field as they have in the classroom. They are lessons that cannot be absorbed from a professor’s podium or an overpriced textbook. They are learned via the input of time, the rigor of training, and the sharp thrill of competition. They are paid for in sweat, frustration and personal sacrifice.
The perspectives they have come away with shine a light on these lessons in ways that we all can learn from, not just as university students, but also as people who are growing to meet the unpredictable demands of life beyond the lecture hall. As student athletes, they each have a kinship with one another as competitors who have gone through the university’s core curriculum and expanded from it into their respective fields.
From the men’s soccer team, seniors Evan Corsiglia and Alex Melgoza each had important parting words to share with the UD community. When asked about the legacy he would like to leave for future players, Melgoza said “I would like them to continue to carry the legacy of being a family. During my four years on the team I always felt like I could lean on one of my teammates, whether it was an assignment, an issue with a girl, or maybe a health issue. I want them to be able to feel comfortable leaning on each other because if there is no trust off the field, there definitely will not be any trust on the field.”
On the same subject, Corsiglia said “I want my teammates to carry on a legacy of success that is not just built on winning, but more importantly built around an inherent desire to work hard, support one another, and represent the University of Dallas in the best way possible.” While these sentiments were directed toward soccer athletes in particular, every UD student could benefit from taking their advice. Regardless of your major or community, prioritizing hard work for its own sake and building a circle of trust is extremely useful for bolstering your chances of success in any endeavor.
From the women’s golf team, Kim Burch has a powerful insight about the nature of that game in particular and how it teaches you to meet life’s challenges in general. From her perspective, Burch said “It’s all about balance in life. Golf is pretty intense, and it wears you down mentally. You are on a team together, but on the course you’re not always surrounded by your teammates. You’re surrounded by people you’re playing against, and you’re playing against that course.” While substantially distinct from the perspectives of Melgoza and Corsiglia, Burch’s insight is an important reminder that, though you may have a support system behind you, the difficulties you face are ultimately your own, and it’s critical that you find a manageable way to balance the stressors in your life.
Finally, a perspective from senior softball athlete Sunnydale Theis helps to tie all of these ideas together. In a previous article for The Cor Chronicle, Theis emphasized the importance of time management. With all of the preparation required for both academics and athletic performance, Theis mentioned that it was absolutely critical that she organized her schedule in a way that affords her enough time for training, homework, maintaining a class schedule and traveling for games. Theis said that making some extra time for hobbies, in her case, knitting and playing video games, is a huge component of avoiding burnout.
Students from every background and major can appreciate the core of these ideas. Though they were formed from a fundamentally different set of experiences than those of most UD students, they have practical applications for everyday life. Melgoza emphasized the importance of a trusted inner circle. Corsiglia noted the value of hard work for its own sake and the dignity that comes with that. Burch reminds us that, in spite of a strong community and a disciplined work ethic, the challenges you face are ultimately your own. Finally, Theis says that all of these factors have to have their proper place in your life, and losing sight of ordering these responsibilities could be disastrous. Though each of these seniors will soon be moving on to life outside of the university, their reflections can teach us useful lessons for finishing out our own undergraduate careers.