The first semester of college, a frightening moment for all, with new classes, new schedules, and a new place to live, is scary to think about. For Colby’s first-year fall athletes, that transition has been joined by a new challenge: adjusting to playing at the college level. This fall, several members of the first-year class have not only risen to the challenge, but thrived under it, making many impactful contributions to teams and helping fuel successful Mule campaigns in recent weeks.
For Will Schneider `29, football wasn’t his original plan. The New York City native made the change from soccer to football in his final year at Choate Rosemary Hall, one that instantly proved to be worth it.
Now Colby’s starting kicker, Schneider is an incredible presence on special teams. He’s hit three field goals this season, two of these clutch kicks coming in the Mules’ victory over Bates College, and, so far, has scored 15 points total. His composure and precision have made him an important part of Colby’s late-season run.
As Schneider finds his rhythm on the gridiron, another first-year player has been making waves in a totally different place, the field hockey goal.
Throughout her first semester this fall, Ginna Jacoby `29 has not held back in proving she is a player meant to shine in the NESCAC. The Denver, Colorado native has started seven games in goal for the Mules thus far, registering 73 saves.
In her recent game against Hamilton College, she made 21 saves to propel a Colby win. With fast reflexes and good communication, Jacoby has positioned herself as an anchor for the Mules’ defense and a name to watch in the future.
While Jacoby has been key for Colby field hockey, a first-year on the volleyball court has been turning up the competition.
Colby’s volleyball squad has been the school’s standout story thus far this fall, with a 17–1 record heading into the postseason, their only loss to Wesleyan University. Among the team’s newcomers, Texas native Kendall Glover `29, is shining for her work ethic and desire on the court.
Glover recorded 11 kills and 15.5 points in a statement win against MIT, showing her ability to deliver in pressure situations against tough competition. Her contributions have helped the Mules in maintaining one of the most successful opening periods in program history as they strive toward NESCAC playoffs.
And over on the soccer field, yet another rookie has been performing steadily, one who’s emerged as the main go-to goal threat for the Mules.
On the men’s soccer team, Jude Gussen `29 has been a scoring threat since day one. The Fairfield, Connecticut native and Loomis Chaffee graduate opened his Colby career with two goals against Thomas College and now leads the team in scoring.
Gussen’s strength and touch in the middle of the field have been key to Colby’s offense, contributing to a crucial effort during the Mules’ 2-0 win over Maine Maritime Academy, where he scored a goal. As the team heads to conclude the regular season with contests against Wesleyan University and Bates College, Gussen is on the prowl to help Colby into the playoffs.
From the football field to the volleyball court, the first-year student-athletes have made an outstanding mark on Colby’s fall athletics season already. Their first-year success says as much about their talent as it does about the welcoming, competitive culture that defines Colby athletics.
As post-season competition approaches and the winter season looms, the Class of 2029 is showing that the future of Colby athletics is indeed in good hands.
~ Kameron Mohammed `29
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