MSU President's Newspaper Column
November 30, 2024
Senior student athletes express appreciation for their Mayville State experiences
The first semester of the 2024-2025 school year is quickly coming to a close, and with that, many student athletes have played their final games wearing the blue and white of Mayville State University. Mayville State’s football program honored 26 seniors at Jerome Berg Field earlier this month. This group is Coach Larson’s first recruiting class as head coach of the Comets. In the Lewy Lee Fieldhouse, Mayville State’s volleyball program honored nine seniors who were coached by Katie Aasen and Elora Passa. We are Comet Proud of every senior who will be moving on in the next chapters of their lives.
We asked some of the Comet volleyball and football program seniors about what their time at Mayville State has meant to them. Responses included the following:
“Playing the game I love for Mayville State has meant the world to me. I have gained my best friends, made the most special memories, and grown immensely as a person and player. I have loved how much support I have gotten from the Mayville State community over the years, along with the unwavering support of my family. I am so blessed that even after four years, I have a team and place I don’t want to leave.” - Sam Passa, Barnesville, Minn.
“Mayville State means the world to me. As soon as I moved to Mayville I was welcomed in by the great community. The community and university have always felt like home to me. Without Mayville I would not be the person I am today and will forever cherish the many great memories and friends I’ve made.” - Bailey Mullenberg, Somerset, Wis.
“Mayville State has put me into a position to where now I will be getting my Ph.D. without paying out of pocket because the staff cared about me so much that they found a grad school that fits me perfectly both as a person and financially.” - George Davisson, Concord, Calif.
“Mayville State has meant so much to me. It’s truly felt like home from the moment I arrived. The sense of family here is unmatched, and the bonds I’ve built, especially with the brothers I’ve made on the football team, will stay with me for life. This place isn’t just a school - it’s a community that has shaped me and given me memories I’ll always cherish.” - Gunnar Jorgensen, Mayville, N.D.
“Playing for Mayville State has meant so much to me. It has allowed me to play the game I love, along with making lifelong friendships, and learning lifelong skills. My experience playing for Mayville State Volleyball is something I will cherish forever and it will hold a special place in my heart. I am so grateful to have had the best teammates and coaches along the way!” - Abby Cox, Oakes, N.D.
“My time at Mayville has been special. Mayville has helped me grow as a person and a student while giving me the opportunity to meet some of my best friends and play football. These are the times I'll always remember.” - Kaden Johnson, Cottage Grove, Minn.
“My time at Mayville State means a lot to me. I met some really great guys and had a lot of fun. The community is awesome and always supportive. It meant a lot to be able to follow in the footsteps of my family, especially my grandpa and mom.” - Evan Martin, West Fargo, N.D.
“In my years at Mayville State, I had the honor to continue to follow my dreams of playing college football. I also found a family in my teammates, the staff, and the Mayville community. For this, I'll forever be grateful.” - Ezera Wouri, Rolla, N.D.
“Playing volleyball for Mayville State has taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. The bonds I've formed with my teammates have created a sense of community and support that extends beyond the court. Thank you to everyone who has made these past two years unforgettable.” - Myranda Reiss, Killdeer, N.D.
“Mayville State has been such an important part of my life. I’m so glad I was able to meet so many great people here. Whether it was while playing football, in the classroom, or out in the community. Going to school at Mayville State has allowed me to grow into a man, and I couldn’t be more thankful.” - Tim Salmon, New Richmond, Wis.
“My time at Mayville has meant a lot to me. From being a part of the football team to being the Student Senate president, I have always been part of something. Mayville State University has become a true home away from home and I have established relationships here that will last a lifetime. I love Mayville State.” - Grant Kocher, Crosby, N.D.
“I’ve met some great people, and being at Mayville State has been a life-changing opportunity for me that I will carry with me always. I am the first in my family to complete a college degree, and nothing else can make me prouder. With some great people, I have been able to do some great things on and off the field. Even though this is just a small chapter in my life, it will be hard for me to turn this page.” - Maalik Flowers, Las Vegas, Nev.
“My time at Mayville State has been incredible and better than what I originally had expected. I am extremely glad and thankful that I gave Mayville State a chance because the friends, community, and people I have met have made it worth it! I am very Comet Proud!” - John Updike, Box Elder, S.D.
"Attending Mayville State University has meant so much more than just attending college. Mayville has allowed me to play a sport that I love, make lifelong friends and memories, and further my education to pursue a job I am passionate about. Being a part of Mayville State has taught me the value of friendships, hard work, resilience, and the importance of deepening my learning. I would not trade the experiences I have gained over the years for the world, and I am beyond grateful to have been a student here at Mayville State University." - Kyja Birch, Melrose, Minn.
"Playing for this team means embracing a shared dream, pushing each other to be our best, and creating memories that last a lifetime. It’s the thrill of celebrating victories together and the resilience to rise after defeats that mean the most." - Kaitlyn Sand, Melrose, Minn.
"My time at Mayville State has been amazing. The supportive environment and dedicated professors have helped me grow academically. Playing volleyball here has taught me teamwork and discipline. Balancing sports and studies was challenging but rewarding. Overall, I've built lifelong friendships and created unforgettable memories." - Emily Condon, Barnesville, Minn.
"Coming to Mayville State was a great decision for me! For one, it’s affordable! And two, it’s a small school and town, That gives it a community, and the school and football program become a family. Als, the football program will make you a better player and person." - Ajay Archambeau, Fall City, Wash.
It has been an absolute pleasure to get to know these outstanding individuals during their time at Mayville State University. They are leaders on and off the field and court, and I look forward to learning about the good things I know are in the future for them.
