SENIOR SPOTLIGHT: Braun benefits from being a student-athlete
MINOT, N.D. – Being a student-athlete benefited Kendal Braun in more ways than one.
Not only was being an NCAA Division II athlete an incredible opportunity, but her association with her high school volleyball coach changed her academic career.
“I originally wanted to pursue a degree in nursing,” Braun said. “But, about a week before freshman year, one of the communication sciences and disorders (CSD) professors (Kara Nunziato), who was also my high school volleyball coach, changed my mind and convinced me to pursue speech pathology.
“I am extremely grateful that I made this decision. I knew I wanted to be in a profession where I could help people, so speech pathology was 100% the right fit for me, and I am incredibly thankful to be a part of this amazing program.”
The fit with the program was so perfect that she decided to continue at MSU in the master’s program starting in the fall.
“I am super excited for this next step in my life, and I cannot wait to learn more about speech pathology,” the Minot native said. “I am not quite sure where exactly I want to work after graduate school, but I am very interested in working in the schools, specifically in a middle school.”
Braun competed for three seasons on the MSU volleyball team before her senior season was cut short due to a severe ankle injury. While there was disappointment in not getting to compete in her final season, it allowed her to focus a bit more on her academic career.
“Trying to juggle athletics with academics was no easy task, but in the long run it really helped me grow as a person,” she said. “This last year, I was grateful that I was able to focus on just academics and also become an officer for our student-led speech pathology club here on campus known as NSSLHA (National Speech Language Hearing Association).”
Her work with NSSLHA and her time working with the Minot State Communication Disorders Clinic were very rewarding.
“With NSSLHA, we were able to do some incredible things for our program and the community,” Braun said. “We did volunteer events such as working with Prairie Grit and were able to raise money for some amazing causes, such as hosting a Miles for Smiles Walk to raise money for cleft lip and palate surgeries.
“One thing that is special about Minot State's CSD program compared to other programs is that they allow undergrad seniors to gain clinical experience in our MSU Clinic. This semester, I got to work with my first client ever, and it was such an amazing experience. The Minot State CSD program is truly one of a kind, and having a clinic here on campus where students gain clinical experience is something I am very grateful for. The CSD staff and professors are incredible and set the students up for success, and I cannot thank the professors enough for making my undergrad experience a truly remarkable one.”
Along with her academic experience, Braun is grateful for her time as a student-athlete.
“Being a student athlete was an incredible opportunity that I was able to be a part of,” she said. “I enjoyed my time playing volleyball at a higher level and met a lot of great people along the way.”
About Minot State University
Minot State University is a public university dedicated to excellence in education, scholarship, and community engagement achieved through
rigorous academic experiences, active learning environments, commitment to public service, and a vibrant campus life.
Published: 05/14/25
