Sweet Skills

Taylor Safranski ’26 | Fargo, North Dakota
Major: Finance

Why did you choose Concordia?

I chose Concordia because of the small-town culture and community. I really loved the concept of smaller class sizes and that you would get to know your professors. It has helped me learn and gain so much more knowledge. Also, because of how involved the community is in Concordia’s athletics, there are always good crowds that come to sporting events, and the support is unmatched. Lastly, growing up in Fargo, it was nice to be close to home and be able to see my family often and have them come to all of our home basketball games. My younger sister plays at MSUM, so being able to go and watch her games has also been so awesome.

What campus activities are you involved in?

I’m on the women’s basketball team.

How did you decide on your area of study?

I decided to major in finance because, growing up, I have always enjoyed math and the logical thinking processes behind it. In high school, I took accounting classes and those really opened my eyes to the accounting/finance world, and I decided that it was something I could see myself doing.

Do you have a favorite finance course? Why is it your favorite?

My favorite finance course was Corporate Finance with Dr. Robert Gholson. I really enjoyed that because the concepts for it came easily to me, and I found the work that we did fascinating to figure out. I like problem-solving and figuring out problems in Excel, and that class contained a lot of hard problems that I was able to work through and eventually find the solution.

What are the benefits of taking classes in the Offutt School of Business?

The benefits of taking classes in the Offutt School of Business are that they have small class sizes, and the professors really care about the students and their success. The class sizes are around 20-30 people, which allows for more impactful learning and one-on-one help if needed. Also, the professors put in a lot of time helping students and giving them the tools to reach their full potential.

What skills or lessons from basketball have helped you in the classroom?

Some skills or lessons from basketball that have helped me in the classroom are leadership, problem-solving, and perseverance. Being in a team sport has been a very valuable tool. I’ve learned and improved in basketball, so having these skills allows me to bring what I’ve learned to my classes.

When it comes to team projects especially, leadership helps me interact with my classmates and complete the task at hand with efficiency and precision.

Problem-solving has also been a skill that I have learned in basketball, so when I am not playing well, I am able to solve problems and figure out what I can do to be better. In the classroom, if I am struggling with a work problem, instead of giving up, I solve the problem and use my resources to help me succeed. 

Lastly, a lesson that I have learned in basketball is perseverance. When things got hard or I wasn’t happy with how I was playing, I put in extra work and got better. In school, that can be seen in classes that I may not be very good at or am struggling with but, by persevering, I was able to work even harder and put in extra study time to catch up.

What has your experience been like as a student-athlete at Concordia?

My experience as a student-athlete at Concordia was amazing, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the time I spent here. Being a student-athlete at Concordia has given me an excellent education and provided me with the greatest opportunity to play the sport that I love with my best friends. There was not one moment when I ever doubted my decision to come here. I have always felt super valued by my professors, coaches, and teammates. It truly feels like I am a part of a big family where everyone wants to see everyone succeed.

How do you balance athletics and academics?

I balance athletics and my academics by prioritizing time for them, but also making sure that I make time for fun and other activities that keep me grounded. When the season starts, it can become very hectic and busy, but I like to make sure that I make time for seeing my family, hanging with my friends, and even spending some time alone where I can relax and regroup.

What has surprised you most about your college experience?

The thing that has surprised me the most about my college experience is that I have truly gained some of my best friends. I could never have imagined the amazing people that I would meet and the connections that I would make. My teammates have grown to be my best friends and people that I enjoy being around. And even if some have graduated or are younger than me and I won’t see as much after I graduate, I will always stay in contact with them and make time to be together.

An unforgettable season

Do you have a favorite memory or accomplishment from your time on the Cobber women’s basketball team?

My favorite memory was my senior season. There were so many milestones that we accomplished this season that truly made it an unforgettable season — from winning the MIAC regular season championship, Coach Wagers getting her 100th win, and the many accolades that players won in all-conference awards. But most importantly, it was the love and joy we all had when we were together. Everyone was so supportive of each other and wanted to see everyone do their best.

^{The women’s basketball team was elated after beating Ripon in the second round of the NCAA tournament, advancing to the Sweet 16.}

What’s it like to finish your final season by winning your game in the Sweet 16 NCAA tournament and advancing to the Elite Eight tournament?

Winning in the Sweet 16 was such a confidence boost to us as players and to our program. It showed everyone across the nation that we are an amazing team with talented players. Also, being able to win that game against a highly ranked team was exhilarating and brought us so much joy.

Being able to say that we won our Sweet 16 game and made it to the Elite Eight was probably something none of us thought about at the beginning of the season but something we all knew we were capable of. From losing in the first round of the tournament my sophomore year and being able to win three tournament games this year really showed all the hard work this team has put in and the growth that we’ve had individually and as a program.

The best part about this whole experience was getting to do it with the best team. From the coaches to the players, everyone believed in each other and bought into that concept and supported everyone’s wins, big or small.

What are your career goals, and how has Concordia helped prepare you?

My career goals after I graduate are to find a job that fits well with what I want to do and within a company that values me. Concordia has helped me prepare by having classes that relate to the real world and having the career expo and job fairs that help me put my name out there and meet local companies that may be hiring.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering Concordia?

Some advice that I would give to someone who is considering Concordia is that if you are looking for a place that values you and has an excellent community, then Concordia is the best choice. There are so many clubs and activities that you can participate in, and the education level is top notch. You will find so many amazing people and will enjoy every moment that you’re here.

^{Published April 2025}