ST. PAUL, Minn. – Throughout the duration of the spring semester, cspbears.com will feature its spring senior student-athletes who had their careers cut short due to the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19), providing a glimpse into their past, present and future to our followers who were unable to see them compete in 2020.
Due to the ongoing changing legislation with college athletics related to the COVID-19 pandemic, spring student-athletes are expected to retain a year of eligibility. Some of the CSP seniors have expressed interest in returning for the 2020-21 academic year with the goal of competing for their full senior year. Since it's early in the process, cspbears.com will not differentiate between seniors who will and won't return and instead will profile each senior consistently.
Today's student-athlete in the senior spotlight series is
Katie Moynihan, a double-major in math and chemistry with a biology minor. The Apple Valley High School graduate overcame early obstacles in her career, missing her freshman season with a season-ending injury after scoring a goal in the inaugural victory over Northland College. She would go on to become a GLIAC All-Academic Excellence Team student-athlete by her third year in 2019 and appeared in 41 consecutive games the past three seasons since her return to the field.
She was enjoying her best statistical season in 2020, netting 12 goals and 13 total points in just seven games, ahead of her 2018 (17 pts, 10g, 7a in 16 games) and 2019 (13 pts, 11g, 2a in 18 games) paces. By season's end, Moynihan had boosted her career totals to 34 goals, 10 assists and 44 points across 42 games, adding 25 ground balls, 14 caused turnovers and 11 draw controls. Her 34 career goals rank fourth in the CSP career charts, as well.
She's been a part of a program that has produced a 31-26 all-time record and was a starter on the 2019 team that produced team records in overall wins (11), GLIAC wins (7) and qualified for the postseason for the first time, hosting and winning its GLIAC Tournament first round contest to reach the semifinals.
Head coach Joe Nelson on Katie Moynihan:
"Katie battled injury early in her college career, but her offseason commitment to being a key impact player both on the offensive and defensive side of the ball shined this season. She had a motor that never stopped, and a passion & love for the game that was contagious. Her work ethic and dedication on and off the field is an example of how you become an all-star."
KATIE MOYNIHAN – IN HER OWN WORDS
CSP: At what age did you start playing your sport?
KM: I started playing lacrosse in sixth grade. I had played it in P.E. in elementary and middle school and wanted to give it a try!
CSP: Why did you choose to attend Concordia?
KM: I chose Concordia because of the small class sizes and tight-knit community. What made Concordia stand apart was the importance placed on Christ and the ability for one to grow in their faith.
CSP: What is your favorite memory as a Golden Bear?
KM: One of my favorite memories was from this fall when we beat Lindenwood, a top five program, on their home turf. It showed how far our program had come since we started my freshman year. It also showed how special and talented this team was.
CSP: What will you miss most about CSP?
KM: I will miss the community and relationships made at CSP. I also will miss seeing my friends and teammates every day.
CSP: What are your plans after graduation?
KM: I plan to get my master's degree and use my remaining eligibility.
CSP: Where do you see yourself in ten years?
KM: While I am unsure of the exact nature of the work I will be doing, my goal is to work in data analytics for a healthcare or insurance company. I will also continue to be very active in lacrosse, coaching high school and other youth teams.
CSP: Who is a staff or faculty member at Concordia that left an imprint on your experience?
KM: My math professor Rob Krueger has taught me much more than math over my academic career. He emphasizes the ability to think critically, process, and learn. These are the skills that will be used in our lives and careers moving forward. He works tirelessly to help his students succeed in and beyond the classroom.
Also my coach Summer Fowler. The past two years have had a lot of ups and downs. Through it all she was there for us and always had our backs. I am forever grateful for all you did for this team and program.
CSP: Who is your role model?
KM: My mom and sister are my greatest role models. They two of the most positive and uplifting people in my life. My mom demonstrates how to always smile and make others around you smile. My sister shows me how to love people and to be the light of Christ to others.
CSP: What life lessons did you learn as an athlete on your CSP team?
KM: A lot of life took place as an athlete at CSP. The greatest lesson I have learned is to love people and let them know how much you mean to them.
CSP: What advice would you give to an incoming freshman about their time at CSP?
KM: The two pieces of advice I have to give are:
1) Give it your all every chance you get and you will have no regrets.
2) Cherish the time you get with your sisters.
CSP: What CSP athlete from a different program do you admire and why?
KM: I admire my girl Emma Lero on the softball team. As her roommate this past year, I saw all the extra time she put in. She would go hit in the GC or get to field early to work on drills constantly. Not only that, but she is one of the most positive individuals I have ever met. She always talked about how great her teammates were after practices and games.
CSP: Do you have a final personalized message you'd like to share with cspbears.com readers?
KM: It's been a wild ride, CSP. The last four years have challenged me and made me grow in ways I never could have pictured as a freshman. To my seven senior sisters, thank you for all you have done for this program and for myself. It took a lot of guts to start this program and even more to stay for four years. Through every obstacle I'm glad I had you guys.
