The spring sports athletes at Augustana were denied their opportunity to complete their senior seasons because of circumstances beyond their control. Because of this, we have decided to honor these young men and women by profiling them on our athletics website. We gave our senior spring athletes the opportunity to share their thoughts with us and we will put up as many of these as are returned to us.
 
LEAH CRANDELL (Downers Grove South HS, Downers Grove, Ill.)…Member of women's golf team.
 
Multi-media Journalism and Mass Communication Studies major.
 
Leah was an academic all-conference performer and she played in a total of 35 rounds during her career…She finished with a 99.3 career average per round and had a low score of 84…As a senior she was averaging 90.5 in six rounds before the Coronavirus ended the spring season.
 
A Dean's List student, she interned in marketing and public relations at Fresh Films on the Augustana campus…She also worked at the PepsiCo Center as part of the intramural/recreation staff…She was the social chair of her sorority and was also on the GAMMA Committee and fund-raising committee…Leah served as the public relations chair of Greek Week.
 
Leah had a marketing, promotions and community engagement/outreach internship set up with the Quad City River Bandits minor league baseball club set up for this summer. That is now on hold and she hopes that when/if the season starts up this summer that she will be able to work the position.
 
Thoughts on her Augustana career (academic): "I am beyond blessed to end my academic career at Augustana College. Being a transfer student from Mizzou, I came here being a year behind, worried about whether or not I would graduate on time and if I could double major in the areas of study I wanted to. All of my professors and especially my advisor (shout out Dr. Yaschur) were so helpful in making sure I was on track and that I was able to accomplish everything I had set my sights on. I am very thankful for all of their support and for seeing the potential in me.
 
Thoughts on her Augustana career (athletic): "Golfing at Augustana gave me the opportunity to continue playing the game I love, and it taught me so many lessons that are applicable on and off the course. Golf is not only a sport of skill, but also a true test of mental endurance, which is something that everyone on the team has struggled with at one point or another. A test of a good team is how they support each other during the game and after the game. I have felt endless support from this team, and I know that I have a life-long family that will be there to celebrate the highs and help get me through the lows. 
 
Thoughts on her senior season ending early: "It was extremely disheartening and disappointing. To have put so much time and effort into a team that means so much, and then to have it cut shot during a time when it mattered the most really hurts. I am upset for my team and all of us who put in a full year's worth of work and cannot show it off. I am upset for myself who did not get to full live out my senior year and play one more season. We were able to celebrate what we accomplished so far, knowing that we were playing our final game. That is more closure that some other teams, sports and athlete were able to do so I am extremely grateful we were able to play that last weekend. The situation is still bittersweet."