As the summer presses on and committees are making pertinent decisions with the future of Northern Vermont University, a new development within the athletic department has marked the first move in tightening financial gaps.
NVU President Elaine Collins announced via email that as new learning models are being proposed, it was decided to close the Men’s and Women’s Cross Country programs at Johnson and the Men’s and Women’s Track and Field programs at Lyndon. The reason was simple: low enrollment. Collins was sure to note her sadness over the tough decision but reminded that this will actually allow room to strengthen other athletic programs on both campuses.
In addition, Lyndon’s Women’s Soccer Team has said goodbye to its head coach Katy Ebner. Ebner is a 2015 graduate of the former Lyndon State College and it was the local community as well as the abundant access to outdoor activities that brought her back to the campus. She was hired as head coach for the Women’s Soccer Team in 2017 after serving as an assistant coach for two years.
Ebner served other roles as well, such as advisor to the Lyndon Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, but especially, as program coordinator for Lyndon’s Adventure Program. As Ebner departs, she leaves multiple shoes to fill since she also was responsible for managing the Lyndon campus running trails.
In the three years Ebner served Lyndon’s athletic programs, she faced several challenges in fulfilling her leadership roles solely. She depended greatly on the volunteer services of her students and strived to include everyone in all that she endeavored. “My biggest challenge was spreading the word that the Adventure Program was for everyone, not just a select few,” Ebner said, “I feel like I was beginning to see success with this because I got to see so many students who may or may not have had any adventure experiences before!”
As Ebner reflects on her fondest memories of relaxing after full days of snowboarding in Colorado or rock climbing in West Virginia with her students, she feels confident that she will land on her feet in the next chapter of her life. When asked about the future of Lyndon’s Adventure Program, Ebner said she has done her absolute best to prepare the program for success.
Developments are being made across the board as the 2020-2021 academic year begins. A new coach has been named for Women’s Soccer, Ben Arsenault, who already serves as the coach for Lyndon’s Women’s Basketball. In addition, Alex Postpischil joins the Lyndon campus as the new head Women’s Volleyball coach.
Collins and Ebner share the same sentiments when it comes to the revolving changes and challenges NVU faces. It’s important to think of and continually tie in the community with our education. New visions will be required as well as consistent hard work.
As more information unfolds over the course of the summer, remember Ebner’s departing words, “Be kind to one another. Have fun at least once every day. Get outside as much as possible. Happy Trails!”
Feature Photo provided by Katy Ebner || Former Adventure Program Coordinator Katy Ebner (left) and NVU-Lyndon student Emily Robinson (right) pose during a trip.