Feb. 11, 2008
This feature is one of many that can be read on the Patriot League website throughout the month of February - a month the Patriot League designates to promote and highlight women in sports. The following story appeared in the Patriot League's Women in Sports magazine.
Visit the Patriot League's Celebrating Women in Sports webpage by clicking here. This page was launched last year and has been updated with some new items for 2008. The Celebrating Women in Sports webpage includes eight different links that will allow the user to read about the many accomplishments of the women in the Patriot League, while also serving to promote girls and women in sport. Highlights of this webpage are the Patriot League Celebrating Women in Sports magazine and photo gallery.
From Across The World
The academic reputations of Patriot League institutions attract prospective students from all across the nation, especially when combined with Division I athletic opportunities. By now, word on the Patriot League's schools has not only spread to all edges of the United States, but has broken through the international barriers as well. In fact, Bucknell was discussed at length close to 8,000 miles from Lewisburg, Pa., by two of its current field hockey student-athletes when deciding on where to attend college. Jacquie Kataneksza and Rudo Mawema are from Harare, Zimbabwe and just completed their junior season for the Bison. Both are majoring in international relations.
When Mawema cited the reason for attending Bucknell because of its "outstanding academic record and the many successes within its athletic programs" she hit the nail right on the head.
Kataneksza noted similar reasons for zeroing in on Bucknell as her school of choice.
"I picked Bucknell under the advice of an advisor who recommended Bucknell because of its academic superiority and its competitive Division I field hockey program," said Kataneksza.
While Kataneksza and Mawema recognized that Bucknell provided a high-level education and competitive field hockey, other factors were considered when deciding on a college in the U.S.
"I chose an American institution because of the financial aid opportunities," noted Kataneksza. "I am from Zimbabwe and my family was sorely affected by the economic and political crises in the country."
"With U.S universities offering scholarships it rewards athletes by giving them the opportunity to further their academic experience, while competing in a game they love," added Mawema.
All students feel a sense of adjustment when going away to college, but moving across the world to do so brings with it a whole new spin on the concept of acclimation.
"Moving away from home was an eye opener," explained Mawema. "Socially, I struggled a bit in just understanding the different culture and background I was now surrounded with and trying to find a common ground. Being a member of an athletic team definitely helped, because just having hockey in common immediately created a group of friends around me going through somewhat similar experiences."
Having the similar experiences that Mawema talked about can certainly aid in getting over the initial hump, especially with the help of her fellow Zimbabwe native who was feeling the same way when they first arrived in the Keystone State.
"I felt a lot of cultural shock when I first came here. I was completely unaccustomed to the way of life," said Kataneksza.
The Bucknell field hockey family was there to welcome Kataneksza and Mawema into their close knit group three years ago and continue to be a support system for their international teammates.
"Some of my favorite memories are simply hanging out with my teammates," said Kataneksza. "They have been amongst the most supportive."
"My coach got us a Zimbabwe flag that hangs below the clock at every game," recalled Mawema. "I cannot explain how grateful I am or the way it makes me feel every time I see my country's flag out on our field."
In total, the Patriot League has 46 international student-athletes that currently compete in a varsity sport.
