Obleton spotlighted by the American Rivers Conference
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa – When Caelynn Obleton was going through the recruiting process, she had a checklist of things that she wanted out of her college experience.
One of the things at the top of her list was to find a school that was close to a big city. Being an actuarial science major, Obleton wanted to be around a city that had plenty of job opportunities when she graduated.
Simpson College checked that box for her, but there were additional things that she discovered about the school as she dug deeper.
"I chose Simpson College because it felt like a place I could grow and prepare myself for my future," Obleton said. "My professors, coaches, and peers have created a safe and welcoming environment at Simpson that I look forward to being in every day."
Now in her third year at Simpson, Obleton couldn't be happier with her decision.
Making the most of the opportunity
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Originally from Marion, Iowa, Obleton has enjoyed every moment of her experience in the American Rivers Conference as a Division III student-athlete.
"I like this conference because I love to compete and push myself every day," Obleton said. "I look forward to our season because I know that my team and I will be pushed to grow every single game. Nothing is guaranteed in the American Rivers Conference, so it makes everything exciting."
Obleton has especially enjoyed the opportunity to travel the world and play the game that she loves with her teammates.
"One of my favorite softball memories at Simpson was our trip to Panama," Obleton said. "I loved playing and trying new things with my teammates while in a different country. It was really fun, and it went by too fast."
More than just a student-athlete
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One of the biggest lessons that Obleton has learned at Simpson is to get out of her comfort zone once in a while because it could lead to new opportunities or relationships.
The softball team gave her the opportunity to travel to another country, but Simpson also opened the door for her to do research through the Summer Bryan Research Program.
It's been opportunities like these that have made Obleton grateful for the decision to go to Simpson. She knows that none of this would have been possible without the influence of her parents.
"My parents are the most influential people in my life because I've seen how hard they have worked to give my sister and I opportunities that they weren't able to have when they were younger," Obleton expressed.
Since she was a young girl, Obleton has always had dreams of traveling the world. Iceland is at the top of her bucket list, but she's been able to cross Panama off the list already.
With two years left of school, Obleton is making the most of her time left at Simpson. When she's not at practice or in class, you can find her in her room or at the library studying.
While she's a competitor, Obleton also enjoys cooking a meal with her friends and watching a movie or playing games after.
She's a big animal person too, and she's even got a favorite animal on campus.
"I would want the world to know that at Simpson College, we have a campus cat named George," Obleton said. "They are the cutest and friendliest cat ever!"
Whether it's playing the game she loves, traveling the world, or hanging out with George, Obleton is grateful for every opportunity she has at Simpson and is making the most of her time there.
