Aurora University Athletics

As a softball and volleyball player, Nelson was instrumental in the teams’ success. She earned several honors, including two-time Female Athlete of the Year, volleyball All-Conference, Academic All-Conference and volleyball Most Valuable Player as well as three-time softball All-Conference. She served as captain of the softball team for two years and in her senior year, she recorded a 7–0 pitching record. She and her teammates represented AU in the NCAA Final Four Softball tournament for Division III in 1982.

It comes as no surprise that Nelson’s softball success was due in part by the leadership of her coach, Dr. Sam Bedrosian. He developed in student-athletes a knowledge of the game, a respect for opponents and an understanding of what it took to be a winner. Bedrosian became a mentor to Nelson, placing emphasis on character and ethical responsibility before athleticism.

Bedrosian’s guidance and her AU classroom experiences played a large part in Nelson’s personal and professional life. During her freshman year while reading “Man’s Search for Meaning,” Nelson decided to build her life around fostering relationships between the home, the school and the community. One particular passage stood out to her: “The salvation of man is through love and in love.”
 
Inspired by this life lesson, and practicing the values instilled at home and on the playing field, Nelson devoted her career to helping children reach their potential. She intentionally sought work with at-risk youth, knowing the lessons she learned as a Spartan athlete would have meaning with these students. After serving as a high school dean and an assistant principal, Nelson, for more than a decade, holds the associate principal position at Lyons Township High School, where she practices her own philosophy: “Educate one child at a time.”
 
Nelson and her Spartan teammates ignited a championship spirit among players. They were competitive, focused and serious about the sports they played. Above all, they were friends who trusted and respected each other. Together, they forged an inclusive and vibrant community that AU is known for today.