Briana Beekman has been with Our Savior since her preschool years. Over the years, she has grown academically, spiritually and physically, standing six feet tall. Her height and athleticism have served her well on the volleyball and basketball courts. Her hard work led to her recruitment and eventual signing with Western Connecticut State University. We put her in the spotlight to ask a few questions:
Why did you choose West Conn?Â
 I chose West Conn for reasons academically, athletically, and socially. They have a great health science program to direct my studies towards becoming an athletic trainer or physical therapist. Athletically, Coach Ferguson reached out to me and immediately made me comfortable and enthusiastic about WCSU and their strong and prospering volleyball team. Socially, I was able to make new friends very quickly through social media with similar interests as myself and find a Christian roommate who I am so excited to spend my time with.
 What are you most looking forward to about college?
 I am ready to enter my next chapter of life and begin to learn how to live on my own and take on new responsibilities. I am also excited to meet my new friends and hopefully have an amazing volleyball career.
 What was your favorite volleyball moment?Â
 Since I have been playing for about 7 years, there are many but I can narrow it down to three. OSNAS season of my senior year, my teammates and I were able to defeat LuHi, our rival in a match to 5 games. Academy season of my junior year, my team was able to win third place at Capitol Hill Classic in Washington DC. Lastly, my Academy season of sophomore year, my team took home the regional championship at Hofstra University.
 What do you think will be the biggest adjustment when you go away to college?Â
 The biggest adjustment is that I will no longer be with my parents and will be living on my own and taking on more responsibilities.
 How has being a volleyball player helped you develop as a person?
 Volleyball has taught me discipline. Conditioning with Mrs. Allen and learning how to push myself, yet pace myself has shown me that my limits are much further and higher than I could ever imagine. From games, I learned I need to keep my cool and stay calm even when frustrated, and practices have taught me how to trust the process.
 How has OSNAS prepared you for this moment?Â
 From starting here at Our Savior since Pre-School I have grown up in a Christian environment and family my whole life. It has taught me that at the darkest and most difficult moments, God is with me and he will not leave me even when I feel alone.
 I would like to thank my OSNAS family and friends for supporting me throughout my entire life and especially my high school career. Thank you for the memories and experiences I know I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else. You all mean so much to me. I hope I have left you all with a good memory of myself and what I have always stood for–self appreciation and perseverance. With God, no mountain is too high to conquer. Thank you, love you, see you soon, Briana Beekman out.
Congratulations Briana on a great academic and athletic high school career. May the Lord keep you in His care as you shine for Jesus in Western Connecticut!
