The Calvin Sports Information Office recently caught up with Andrea Diemer, a junior on the women's golf team. The following is a question-and-answer session with the Wyoming, Michigan native (Calvin Christian) in celebration of National Division III Week.
 
Q: Coming out of high school, why did you choose to become a Calvin Knight? What drew you to the school and the respective sport you are participating in?
 
Almost my whole family, including extended family, have gone to Calvin so I have always been aware of it. What really drew me to it was the athletic facilities that they have to offer. Calvin provides all their athletes with amazing families that makes their programs desirable to play for. Coach Bergsma also played a big role in my final decision to come as he was very communicative to me and how I can make a difference on the team.
 
Q: How would you describe your student athlete experience at Calvin?
 
I have loved being a student athlete at Calvin! My experience has been amazing, I have formed many relationships on my team, but also with athletes on different teams. As student athletes it feels like our own little community that I have loved being a part of.
 
Q: How would you describe Coach Bergsma and the rest of the Calvin golf staff? How have they helped you in your career as a Calvin student-athlete?
 
Coach Bergsma and our assistant coach Kelli Evans have always been very supportive with golf, as well as outside of golf. They always make sure to check in on how we are doing and how our classes are going. Something I really appreciated is knowing that our success in the classroom comes before golf, which has been helpful, especially in my freshman year just starting my college experience.
 
Q: Who is your favorite professional athlete and why?
 
My favorite professional athlete is LPGA player Nelly Korda. She is a role model for young golfers both on and off the course by showing professionalism, determination, and a strong work ethic that shows in her consistent scores. I also love how she handles pressure while playing at an elite level.
 
Q: What is your favorite thing about being a part of the Calvin golf team?
 
My favorite thing is the relationships I have built. I love how upperclassmen can become best buds with lowerclassmen as I have done that with lowerclassmen and now as an upperclassman. 
 
Q: Academically, what are you majoring in or thinking of majoring in and how do you balance school and athletics? What do you plan to do after graduation?
 
I am majoring in Sport Management. I have found balancing my academics and golf to be smooth because of the help of my professors. They are always very understanding when I have to miss class as well as encouraging. My plan after graduation is to find a job that involves sports. Grand Rapids has many opportunities with all the professional teams they have.
 
Q: Why do you think Division III was the right fit for you?
 
Division III is the right fit for me because I can play golf on my own terms. There is no scholarship pressure to perform a certain way, just pressure from myself to do my best. The smallness of Division III also fits me well as I enjoy the smaller class sizes and one-on-one relationships with professors.