Hockey and Volleyball Extraordinaire: Brendan Ward!

Her Campus Cal Lutheran: What year are you?

Brendan Ward: I am a freshman at CLU this year.

HC: How did you first hear about Cal Lutheran: 

BW: I first heard about the college through friends who went here. I heard a lot of good things about the school, so when it came time to apply to schools, I really looked into this university and I realized it was a perfect fit for me with a lot of athletic opportunities. 

HC: What are all the ways you are involved with Cal Lutheran?

BW: I am involved in both the men’s NCAA volleyball team and the men’s club hockey team here at Cal Lutheran. 

HC: What is your favorite thing about being on the volleyball team?

BW: Playing indoor volleyball is a somewhat new experience to me because I have only played beach volleyball in the past. That being said, I love a good challenge and that is exactly what this experience is. 

HC: What is your favorite thing about being on the hockey team?

BW: I have been playing hockey since I was about 5 years old, so being able to continue to play the sport I love is a great opportunity. It’s also really fun to play with a great group of guys like the ones on the team. 

HC: What’s your background in hockey?

BW: I have been playing hockey since I was a kid. One of my cousins on my mom’s side, who played in the NHL for a little while, got me into the sport when I was young and I’ve loved the game ever since. I have played at some of the highest levels of youth hockey, won a state championship, and participated in many international tournaments. Hockey has been one of my biggest passions for my entire life. 

HC: Is it difficult to be on two sports teams as well as being a student?

BW: It is pretty tough to balance my time between all the different commitments. Some of my practices conflict with classes or other things, but somehow I manage to find a way to get all of my work done. 

HC: What is your main goal you want to accomplish this year?

BW: This year I hope to make it to nationals with both the hockey and volleyball teams. We have really good groups of guys for both teams and I think we have a real shot. 

HC: What’s the best piece of advice that you can give to someone with a lot of commitments?

BW: The best advice I can give to somebody with a lot of commitments is to manage your time well. It is really important to get things done in a reasonable manner so that you have time to get to all of your commitments without too much stress. 

HC: What is one thing a lot of people don’t know about you, but you think they should?

BW: I’m a pretty open person so most people who know me know all about me. I’m a very friendly and outgoing person, and I love sports. 

HC: What is your favorite quote?

BW: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” -Wayne Gretzky 

• hockey
• volleyball