Middle blocker Kelsey Hegel
GLASSBORO, NJ – Senior volleyball player Kelsey Hegel is truly a jack of all trades. Between competing on the team, completing her education major classes and student teaching, she has also found an immense amount of time to donate to non-profit organizations; mainly, Relay for Life.
Upon entering the Rowan community almost four years ago, Hegel delved into volunteering. She arrived on campus a week before most of the other freshmen, so that she could help with the Connect Through Service program. “We volunteered at the Robin’s Nest, The Post House and similar places,” she recalls. But her taste of community service didn’t end there. She then joined a team of students who coordinate an annual Relay for Life at Rowan. She began by simply being available for various tasks and quickly climbed the ranks.
“Freshman year I bounced around and did whatever they needed me to do, since I’d never been at a relay,” says Hegel. “My sophomore year a friend and I ended up taking over the planning position for the relay because the person in charge couldn’t do it by herself. I was in charge of entertainment that year, because I like doing things that people can have fun with and enjoy. Last year, I was co-chair of the event. Anything that could happen was my responsibility. We had committees that do their own jobs, but ultimately they reported back to me.” This year, Hegel had to take a step back due to her student teaching responsibilities. However, she is mentoring two girls who have taken over her position.
Hegel began her Relay for Life dedication because of her compassion for those with cancer. “I’ve lost family members because of it, and know a lot of people with cancer,” she shares. “However, it’s not a specific person that inspired me to do it. It’s everyone – and knowing I can be part of the reason for a cure. I need to remember to conquer and keep going.” Hegel’s determination has more than paid off. Her continued efforts have not only raised money for the cause, but raised a large amount of awareness – especially on our campus. Each month the Rowan Relay for Life organizers sponsor informational material regarding a different type of cancer, as well as occasional fundraising events. The money that is raised goes directly to both cancer patients who need financial assistance and cancer cure research.
Through her four years here at Rowan, Hegel has consistently encouraged other students to become involved. “Our club has more people in it this year than I have ever seen before,” she is proud to state. As they continue to spread the word about the club, more students become aware and are eager to join the cause. All are welcome to connect, regardless of previous experience. “I had never done a relay before ours,” she says, “and now I’ve been doing them for the past four years.”
When speaking with Hegel about the relay, her spirit of volunteerism is evident. She excitedly shares about her involvement in Relay for Life, as well as other organizations, including the American Breast Cancer Society. During Hegel’s sophomore year, she was chosen by the American Cancer Society as New Jersey’s student delegate. She was flown to Dallas, Texas for a conference. There she was able to learn about various new fundraiser opportunities and events. She then relayed this information to other universities across New Jersey.
Along with her academic and volunteer achievements, she has had a successful volleyball career at Rowan. Having never played before, Hegel was hesitant to try out for the team. “A girl on my dorm floor played on the team. She had come to school early for preseason practice, and I was there for the volunteer program. When she saw that I was tall she asked me to play.” After agreeing to try out for the team, Hegel impressed volleyball coach Libby Ranero, and was invited to join. Her greatest achievements include registering 55 kills this season – beating her previous career-high by 12.
After spending this semester student teaching, Hegel will graduate from the University in May. However, she plans to continue donating her time to the aforementioned organizations. “I assume that Rowan will invite me to help out with future Relay for Life events, since those from outside of Rowan are invited to participate. I will probably form a team at whichever school I will be teaching at as well.” She would love to continue working with the American Cancer Society. In fact, they have already spoken with Hegel about her possibly taking a job there.
This year’s Relay for Life at Rowan University will take place from Friday-Saturday, April 16-17. Hegel urges all students, faculty, staff, and members of the community to log on to www.relayforlife.org/rowanuniversitynj. The website instructs visitors on how to recruit others, donate to the society and attend the relay. A kick-off celebration for the relay will take place on Friday, February 26, from 5-7 p.m. in the Chamberlain Student Center Pit.
If you are interested in joining Rowan’s Relay for Life club, contact Mary Pinter, pinter20@students.rowan.edu or Patty Bodak, bodakp61@students.rowan.edu. The American Cancer Society can be found at www.cancer.org.