Letters from alumnae: Britta (Beckman) Durow
Each Thursday this summer, Bryant University Volleyball alumnae will reflect on their experiences as a student-athlete at Bryant and playing for Coach Garlacy.
This Thursday's installment is from Britta (Beckman) Durow, who played at Bryant from 2000-03.
"When I visited Bryant it was beyond anything I would have expected coming from the Midwest. Theresa immediately made us feel right at home on the campus and in her company. I knew immediately Bryant was the right place for me.
"Theresa held myself and my teammates accountable for our actions on and off the court and in the classroom. She encouraged us to be our best selves which in turn earned much respect from each other, our peers, the administration and staff. She would push me when I didn't feel up to the challenge. She got me out of my comfort zone by trying new foods, running a new play, or a new experience . She played many roles for a lot of us. A few of her roles specific to me was coach, mom, mentor, motivational speaker, taxi, and guidance counselor. She knew each time I needed a good kick in the butt and motivation.
"I learned not to settle and to keep pushing to meet that goal and beyond. She developed confidence by putting us in situations she knew we could handle even when we second guessed it. She made us a family and I am so very thankful for having my extended family! It was the best feeling to see most of us back together to celebrate Theresa last fall. I think it speaks volumes to the person that Theresa is to have had such a huge turnout from many former players, parents and their families.
"Theresa developed us to be independent women and never settle for second-best. These traits have carried over into my professional and personal life today. I am in a career where leadership and teamwork is required. As my husband Brian and I raise our two sons, I can only hope they have leaders and coaches in their lives giving the same guidance and experiences I received as an athlete and student from Theresa.
"Theresa will always be a person I greatly respect. She has given so much of herself to many athletes over the years. You can tell she has a passion for volleyball, but an even bigger passion for developing successful women. I am thankful I have her in my life!"
Bryant begins its 2019 season Friday, Aug. 30, when the Bulldogs face San Diego State in a tournament hosted by FGCU in Fort Myers, Florida. The Bulldogs' home opener will be Friday, Sept. 6, when Bryant hosts North Dakota in its first match of the Hampton Inn-vitational.
Follow Bryant University volleyball on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to get an inside look at the program.