How Mines finds student-athletes who excel in STEM and NCAA Division II sports

Whether building AI-powered robots, studying the smallest particles in the universe or creating innovative solutions for engineering problems, Mines students are always ready to take on difficult tasks. But for Mines student-athletes, the dedication to success extends outside of the classroom and onto the field, court or pool.

Around 8 to 9 percent of Mines students also play intercollegiate sports on an NCAA Division II team. Division II competition focuses on balancing academics and athletics, and athletes tend to have higher graduation rates and academic success than other NCAA divisions. At Mines, that success goes beyond the standard. The university is Division II's highest producer of Academic All-Americans, a distinction awarded to those who possess an outstanding combination of athletic and academic achievement. 

“This is a unique place,” said David Hansburg, Mines’ director of athletics. “Coaches don’t sugarcoat the academics needed. We want students who genuinely want to study STEM and be in a community like Mines. You have to be a hard worker, face adversity and be excited to do that.”

The way Mines Athletics finds students with the right combination of athletic and academic skills is pretty simple: don’t put athletic talent first. 

Pryor Orser, the men’s basketball head coach, said when he connects with a potential Oredigger, GPAs and test scores matter more than on-court skills.

“We’ve had some really good walk-on kids. Maybe athletically they weren’t quite good enough, but they fit the GPA, test scores and character we look for,” Orser said. “We can bring them in, help them develop their skills and they become the best because they’ve already gotten through the harder part of the vetting process.”

For softball player and Mines junior Lindy French, Mines’ reputation as a top engineering school was what mainly drew her in. Born and raised in St. Louis, she also considered attending Missouri University of Science and Technology. It was a cheaper option and closer to home, but a visit to the Mines campus helped seal the deal, at least academically. To become a student athlete at Mines, her persistence is what paid off.

“I emailed the softball coaches very consistently and their response was that I should attend a camp, so I did. I thought I did pretty well, but there were a ton of people there. So I went up and talked to the coach and he said, ‘You’re the girl who keeps sending emails.’ Yes, that is me,” she said, with a laugh.

French followed up that camp visit by sending the coach film of her in action and was invited for an official visit. She was offered a spot on the team as a walk-on, meaning there was no scholarship money available.

“I was planning on coming to Mines whether I played softball or not,” she said. 

Coming to Colorado from Missouri would mean a higher cost than attending a university in her home state, but French said, “I’m willing to make that sacrifice.”

So far, the challenges have been worth it for French. Majoring in chemical engineering, she said her days are busy and long—multiple classes and workouts a day is typical—but the support system offered at Mines is strong. Not only does French get support from her softball teammates, but other student athletes as well. She’s one of two softball players on Mines’ Student Athlete Advisory Committee, which brings together Orediggers from across the athletic program. Athletes go to each other’s games, study for finals together and organize volunteer and social events.

“It takes a lot of time management, but the reward is worth it in the end,” French said.