Kempen headed to Waldorf to wrestle

With her mother by her side April 24, Alaina Kempen signed a Letter of Intent to wrestle at Waldorf University, backed by school and community support. The private college contacted Kempen and after talking with the wrestling coach, both parties knew it was the right fit. Photo by Ginna Young

By Ginna Young

Even though she’s only had the opportunity to wrestle for the last two years, Cadott senior Alaina Kempen attracted notice from those in higher learning.

“It is quite an accomplishment to do that,” said Cadott girls head coach Zack Sirny. “When college recruiters ask about athletes, they typcially ask if they are coachable.”

Something Sirny noticed about his time around Alaina, was her desire to learn and ability to improve.

“With that mentality, she can compete at the college level,” said Sirny.

He’s not the only one who thinks so, as Waldorf University reached out to Kempen. Both parties felt like Waldorf would be a good fit, aligning with Kempen’s plan of majoring in biology, with a pre-med track.

“The coach is really focused on personal growth and having faith in yourself,” said Kempen.

To celebrate the accomplishment of wrestling at a higher level, an assembly was held April 24, where Kempen officially committed herself to Walford.

Grateful for the community supoort she and her family have received, Kempen says she’s very proud of herself for coming through the thick and thin times alike, and for coaches who taught her, even when she didn’t get out on the mat.

“It’s a hard sport – mentally, physically – and not everybody’s naturally that good,” said Kempen.