Make Mansfield Yours is a weekly feature on GoMounties.com that highlights a current Mansfield University student-athlete or alumni on why they chose Mansfield and what makes the university special to them. The feature aligns with NCAA Division II's brand of Make It Yours that allows student-athletes to shape their athletic and academic experience to be exactly what they want it to be.

Molly Balliet
Class of 2016
Biochemistry
Cross Country/Track & Field/Swimming

Why did you choose Mansfield University?
2 people: Coach Mike Rohl and Dr. Scott Davis.
On my initial visit to Mansfield, it was nothing I expected it to be. But we had both a brand new track and a home cross country course which were few and far between to come by with a university that had both. My conversation with Coach Mike went different than most athletes, and this is what made half of my decision to come to MU. Coach Mike was honest about my capabilities, I even knew that running D-2 was going to be a challenge for me but I was up for it. Coach Mike promised me he would make me the best athlete I could be, even if that meant never qualifying for PSACs or Nationals. He knew my focus would always be my education, but he saw potential for athletic growth in me.
He kept his promise, even if I was in a boot four times.

Dr. Scott Davis is now the chair of the Chemistry department. On my official overnight, Coach Mike and Dr. Davis figured out how to get me to chemistry classes to observe since their was no chemistry major on the team at that time. A senior volunteered to take me to 2 upper level chemistry classes: Analytical chemistry & Physical Chemistry. After sitting in on Dr. Davis's PChem class, he had taken time out to have a meeting with me and discuss the opportunities of a chemistry major from MU. He then explained how their job placement post graduation/grad school acceptance is 96%, and that was only because someone took an off year to travel. Little do people know, MU's science department does and incredible amount of student run research that many schools don't offer. Everyone who had Dr. Davis knows how hard he is as a professor and his personality, but he is an extremely genuine person, like the rest of the science department, he shows how much he wants you to be able to do well, (even if that means he teases you first). Grant Science Center made my decision final.

What makes Mansfield University special to you?
Hands down the amazing relationship I developed with Former President of MU, General Hendricks and his wife Connie. I don't know any other university where both the president of the university and his wife, are so incredibly involved. From walking Mountie, backing cookies for all the teams & clubs, going to as many games & meets as possible, and always having open doors for any student. It was truly incredible to see how much they truly cared about each and every person and aspect of the university.

How did your experiences at Mansfield University benefit your career/personal life following graduation?
My career choices changed quite a few times but it always stayed in the chemistry field. When graduation was approaching and I had job interviews lined up, something told me it wasn't right. I decided to set out for a goal I set as a child: Get my Doctorate.
Many People aren't aware that Mansfield has an affiliation with the most applied to medical school in the United States, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Through conversations with faculty, Coach Rohl, and my best friend, it was decided that I should take a shot & pursue a Doctor of Pharmacy.
Without this connection I wouldn't be in a school that is so incredibly friendly & not a "cut-throat" program; I would probably be working a typical lab job. I'm so happy MU had this opportunity, it truly has aided in achieving my goal.

Favorite memory at Mansfield
Hands down the 5:44 Mile I ran at Houghton my junior indoor track season. I was coming off a 1st metatarsal stress reaction due to a dislocation of my navicular bone. Coach Rohl and I had a race plan for it that I was just going to try and see how close I could get to a 6:15 mile since we both felt I wasn't fit yet. It ended up being arguably one of my best collegiate races. I can never forget coming around the last turn and seeing the clock, and when I crossed the line I was immediately picked up by Coach Mike with a giant bear hug. I was in tears with this race after my 3rd boot while at Mansfield (& honestly I think Coach Rohl may have let a tear of joy out as well). This then lead a cascade of running a PR (personal record) in every single race until the end of the outdoor track season.

Advice you would give to a current Mansfield student-athlete
Honestly, you probably complain about practices and early wake ups right now, but I can PROMISE you that you will miss it with your whole being.
Embrace the pain & struggle.
Wear your jersey with pride.
One day you'll be hanging it up, and you can only relive the experiences of it in your head.


If you are a current or former Mansfield University student-athlete and would like to be featured on Make Mansfield Yours, please fill out the submission form