Leadership Profile: Kailey Vlug
When she started playing soccer as a child, Kailey Vlug already had her eye on the prize: to play the sport she loved on the collegiate level. Now, she’s playing on the Alma College women’s soccer team, on which she is considered a leader.
“Coming into a whole new team after being with my same high school team for years was challenging as a freshman, but I did my best and worked hard,” she says. “I’ve learned that I can lead through example. My coach, Jeff Hosler, trusts me and gives me leadership responsibilities, so I’ve risen to meet his expectations.”
But the Coopersville sophomore’s greatest accomplishments are those she achieves with her team. Vlug says making it to the NCAA tournament for the first time in Alma’s history ranks amongst the team’s biggest accomplishments.
“Being a part of that achievement was very special,” she says. “I felt accomplished because we all came together to meet a shared goal. I love all the girls, and the competition helps me to be well-rounded and teaches me skills like leadership and teamwork.”
Vlug, a business administration major, is a student-athlete who excels both on the field and in the classroom. In addition to leadership and teamwork, she says her Alma experience has taught her other essential life skills.
“The academics can be challenging, and they really push you to be the best you can be,” she says. “Learning to balance soccer and school has taught me time management, and working with people has helped me develop people and communication skills.”
