As a college athlete, the decision to transfer to a new university can be a difficult one to make. It takes careful consideration and a clear understanding of your goals and priorities. For me, transferring from Azusa Pacific University to the University of Arkansas was the right decision.
I began my college journey at Azusa Pacific University, a small Division II school in Southern California. It was there that I discovered my passion for pole vaulting and had the opportunity to compete at the collegiate level. In my three years at Azusa Pacific, I broke the school record in pole vault and achieved a level of success that I never thought possible.
Despite my success, I knew that I had outgrown the track program at Azusa Pacific. I was hungry for more, both academically and athletically. I wanted to pursue my MBA and compete for one of the best pole vault schools in the country. That place for me was the University of Arkansas with one of the best track and field programs in the nation specializing in pole vault.
Into the Unknown…Again
Entering into the transfer portal can be a scary unknown place, not knowing what the next step will be. It is like going through the recruiting process all over again, but a little different–you're essentially going into a second recruiting journey based on your previous college stats, knowing how to communicate with coaches, and what priorities one has. I honestly never thought I was good enough to pole vault for Arkansas, but they offered me an opportunity I personally could not turn down because of what I wanted for myself and my priorities.
Related: Time for a Change? The Transfer Portal Explained
Transferring to a new university was not an easy decision. I knew I would be leaving behind the familiarity of my team and coaches at Azusa Pacific. However, I was excited about the new opportunities that awaited me at the University of Arkansas. I was determined to make the most of my transfer and succeed both on the track and in the classroom.
No Regrets
My time at the University of Arkansas was nothing short of amazing. I was part of a winning team that claimed numerous SEC and National championship titles while also individually winning nationals. I experienced tremendous growth both athletically and professionally. I learned a lot about resilience and perseverance. The shift from a smaller DII to a hugely successful DI team is a major cultural shift and it is hard work–but it is rewarding.
Transferring to the University of Arkansas was the right decision for me. It allowed me to pursue my academic and athletic goals at a higher level and opened doors to new opportunities. I am grateful for the experience and the memories that will last a lifetime from both universities and thankful to have experienced both cultures of the collegiate track and field world.
Knowing the importance of love for the sport but also how beautiful discomfort can be is what transferring is all about. Taking a chance on opportunities can surprise you.
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Image Credit: Arkansas Online
* Originally published on May 24, 2023, by Amanda Fassold
