Feature Story
Thriving as a Student–Athlete at Southern Virginia University
Abigail Klusman (‘26) feels like she has grown the most at Southern Virginia University by learning to balance soccer, school, work, and having fun. As a student-athlete on the women’s soccer team, the skills she’s learned combining sports and academics has allowed her to thrive at the university and prepare for her future.
Initially attracted to the university because of the opportunity she would have to play soccer, Klusman fell in love with the environment when she visited campus for a recruitment camp and decided to attend. Since coming to the university, Klusman has developed lasting relationships with members of the women’s soccer teams.
“The women’s team develops a community,” Klusman explained. “We get to hang out and do fun things together, so then you have built-in best friends. Even though you’re busy during the semester, you always find time to do things outside of soccer, but you also see them everyday, so you get to know them really well.”
In 2022, the women’s soccer team won their first championship match, and the team has subsequently gone to the championship match three years in a row. This year, Klusman led the team with five goals.
Off the field, Klusman is studying for a biochemistry major with a psychology minor to prepare for a career as a physician’s assistant. She has found support through Professor of Chemistry Barbara Van Kuiken, who taught several of Klusman’s chemistry classes and helped her research graduate programs in medicine.
“I love Dr. Van Kuiken,” said Klusman. “She taught my general chemistry and organic chemistry classes, and the way she taught the material made it so easy to learn and she always puts her students first. She is available any time of the day and is willing to help you with anything.”
Even though it is one of the hardest classes she has taken, Klusman also enjoyed her anatomy class, where she could connect her learning to her own body to better understand how it works and how it impacts her ability to play soccer.
In addition to being a student and athlete, Klusman works as a peer mentor for the university’s Becoming a Knight class. Learning about the job from a teammate, Klusman saw the role as an opportunity to share what she had learned at the university with other students, and it has helped her develop strong communication skills that will help her post-graduation.
“I learned how to talk to people, especially new people, and become a leader,” said Klusman. “I also learned how to work well with others and find ways to communicate and encourage students to participate in school activities. I was able to learn how to be a welcoming face and a friend to anyone who needs it. “
From Lenexa, Texas, Klusman enjoys hiking, and she makes sure to have time to explore the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains with hikes to McCaffey’s Knob or the Appalachian Trail. She also makes time for school events, games, and friends, embracing everything the university has to offer.
Klusman was recently married to Benjamin Simister (‘26), a member of the men’s soccer team, and the two are planning to return to the university in the fall to finish up their senior year.