The hardest part about playing sports at Moraine Valley is that student-athletes only get two years to compete here before moving on. Some players will end their athletic careers after Moraine Valley while others will continue. This past spring saw athletes unable to play due to COVID-19, giving them additional eligibility to compete in 2021. Whatever they decide, the Cyclones have nearly 40 student-athletes moving on, and to that we say, congratulations! A few graduates have some things to say about their time as a Cyclone.
Taylor Bulow played two years on the volleyball team. During the 2018-19 season, she helped her team earn an NJCAA Region IV championship and competed at the national tournament where they finished 10th. This past season she helped the Cyclones rule the Illinois Skyway Collegiate Conference as champions. In the fall, she will continue her studies at Illinois State University, where she will study occupational therapy and play club team volleyball.
"I really enjoyed my two years at Moraine Valley because I've built so many relationships and was able to continue my volleyball career. I'll definitely miss playing the sport I love and all the friends I've made as we move on to the next chapter in our lives. The recreation center was by far my favorite building from the new gym to the Tropical Smoothie Cafe. I also enjoyed every single course I've taken at Moraine Valley and all the different professors. I grew to be a better person and learned so much by starting at a community college. Moraine Valley was such an amazing school to start my college journey. As it comes to an end, I can't wait to see what the future holds."
Jalen Hughes finished his second season with the Cyclone basketball team as an All-Region first team and All-Conference second team player. He also helped this year's team bring home a co-conference championship. He will continue playing at Indiana University Northwest, where he will study business.
"I have really enjoyed my time here at Moraine Valley. Two years ago, I was a boy who was confused and depressed because all my friends went to universities, and I had to attend a junior college. The first day I stepped on campus, it made me forget all my worries and doubts. I was overwhelmed seeing the atmosphere because it had a university-like feel to it. So, I appreciated it and took it in as preparation for my next step. Once I stepped foot in the Cyclone Center, it made me appreciate the game of basketball even more, waking up at 5 a.m. to get in a workout before my classes started, then after class I had practice. My next step is making my family proud by earning my degree in the next two years and hopefully becoming a professional basketball player."
Lauren Pikulski was part of a dynasty soccer program, helping it earn a fourth straight conference and region championship as well as a trip to nationals in fall 2018. This past season, she earned nods to the All-Region and All-Conference first teams. She intends to study elementary education at the University of St. Francis, where she will also play soccer.
"I can confidently say that my time spent at Moraine Valley has been nothing but a positive experience both athletically and academically. I have come across some amazing professors here. It is clear to me that the professors really care about their students, and I am honored to have been able to receive the education I did through them. Being involved in the women's soccer program was the highlight of my time at Moraine Valley. I had the opportunity to meet so many teammates who I know will be lifelong friends of mine. It was nice always having this group of girls to fall back on whenever times got tough in class or even outside of school. Of course, I can't forget mentioning our trainer Geoff [Davis]. I found myself in his office quite a bit this past season due to injuries, but even when I wasn't injured, I would still make my way to his training room. He is a great guy to be around and truly cares about the athletes at Moraine Valley. I am also grateful to have had such a great coach. Coach Al has helped me in so many aspects. He pushed me athletically to reach heights I didn't know I could reach. I saw myself change as an individual when I started as a shy freshman on the team to becoming a vocal leader on the field my sophomore year. My love for soccer has only grown more through my decision to play at Moraine Valley. I will miss being a Cyclone, but am forever blessed to have been able to belong to such an amazing school and program."
Michael Dudek pitched both years for the Cyclone baseball team. He leaves the team with no losses, 27 innings pitched, 25 strikeouts and a 4.67 ERA. He signed to continue playing baseball at St. Ambrose University.
"I have enjoyed my time at Moraine Valley. I will miss some of my professors as well as the people I met there. I've developed some great relationships with my teammates and plan to be lifelong friends with some of them. Since being at Moraine Valley, I've learned how to better manage my time between school, baseball as well as my personal life all into one. At St. Ambrose, I plan to study business management. I hope to gather experience in managing restaurants with the hope of someday opening a bar and grill. And if all else fails, I just hope to end up in a career where I can say I enjoy what I do for a living."
"It's always sad to see our sophomores go, especially this group that couldn't display their talents because of COVID-19 this spring, but we know we've done our part to prepare them for the next level, and we know they will be successful. We're very proud of these Cyclone student-athletes and wish them the best," said Bill Finn, Moraine Valley Athletics director.