Mary King
Graduation year: 2026
High school: Garces Memorial High School
Hometown: Bakersfield, Calif.
Major: Elementary education
Activities: Varsity women's water polo
Internship: Student teaching at Eugene Field Elementary School in Rock Island, Ill.
Post-grad plans: Teaching and coaching water polo
Why Augustana?
Initially I considered Augustana because I was contacted by the women’s water polo coach, but decided Augustana was what I was looking for to have some balance in my life. I came because of the better education, the chance to compete in a successful program and the opportunity to be involved in my community.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Absolutely not, but I don’t know anyone who is. However, it still ended up being a good choice. I started working in Sports Information, something I had no previous experience in, and now it is a potential career opportunity for me. I’ve had surgery I never would have anticipated, but I worked my way back in and competed. I’ve had many hurdles to jump through, but I’ve also found a lot of things I'm good at and interested in, and have made so many friends along the way.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
First and foremost, I need to thank Denise Yoder, Jay Clark and the Augustana athletic trainers. They have seen entirely too much of me over the years and have always fixed me up.
I also want to thank Professor Shepherd and Dr. Julie Delaney. They not only prepared me, but encouraged me to keep going throughout student teaching. The Schlehubers, a family from my church, gave me a home away from home. Mrs. Thomas, my teacher for student teaching, is not only super experienced, but she gave me so many opportunities to grow. She helped shape who I am as a teacher.
Coach Pryor gave me the opportunity to play water polo, and my team has supported me the entire way. Braelyn, Sophia, Becca, Aneeka, Olivia and Simone — you have made this year so much fun!
My sister Cindy has made all the difference though. She has always been my biggest cheerleader, even when I doubt myself. She has been the best roommate, teammate and friend I could ever ask for on my journey.
Peak experience?
This year Braelyn, Becca, Sophia, Cindy, Aneeka, Olivia and I went caving at Maquoketa State Park. It was definitely an adventure as we hiked around with no maps, fell in streams and went caving holding phones as flashlights. We still haven’t gotten the dirt out of Cindy’s jeans, but it is a memory I’ll always enjoy.
What surprised you?
How cold the cold actually is. The heated coat was definitely a plus.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice to pay for housing and food while I was student teaching. My school started August 1, so I needed to return to Augustana a month before my own classes started.
What will you miss the most?
I will miss all the little moments with friends. I’ll miss movie nights with Cindy and Anna-Maria, where we watched rom coms in Hansen; our outdoor excursions with our hiking group; dinners after practice where we all get food and spend time together; and goofing off on travel trips with my team.
Advice for the Class of 2030?
Expect things not to go according to your plan, but enjoy taking the path you didn’t think of.
"Mary King is an absolutely amazing student, student-athlete — and person! She is intelligent, insightful, creative, enthusiastic and dedicated to working with young people. I had the opportunity to work with Mary as she planned and taught science lessons to 6th graders. She is a classroom rockstar, always challenging students to become scientists! Mary also has some wonderful leadership skills, which have made her an integral part of our marvelous women's water polo team. It will be exciting to see what the future holds for Mary. I have no doubt that she will change the world!"