When senior men's soccer player Nolan Karel left the Grand Rapids, Michigan, area to attend Dordt University, he knew he was stepping into a new challenge — one that would stretch him.

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"Growing up in Grand Rapids, you usually think you have about two options," Karel said with a laugh. "My brother had visited Dordt, and being the youngest, I wanted to do something different from my two older brothers. My parents and I decided I probably needed to make some of my own decisions — maybe even a few mistakes — and learn to be responsible for myself somewhere new."

That decision to head west has paid off. Now a senior, Karel has grown into a team leader for Dordt soccer while balancing a demanding academic path as a finance and accounting double major.

Balancing long midweek road trips and advanced accounting classes isn't easy. "It's always a struggle on a Wednesday, getting out of class and preparing yourself to go play a game," he said. "Especially at a place like Morningside — it's always physical and competitive."

Still, Karel thrives in the routine. He takes pride in staying organized, whether that's preparing scouting reports or tackling one of the program's toughest courses.

"The hardest class I've taken was Intermediate Accounting II," he admitted. "It was quite a struggle. I've always been interested in investing, and that drew me to finance. I added the accounting major so I could better understand financial statements. It's not my passion, but it gives me a stronger foundation."

That commitment to learning extends beyond Dordt's campus. Karel has completed multiple internships that have given him hands-on experience in the financial world.

Last spring, he interned with a tax preparation firm in Sioux Falls, driving there twice a week. "It was a great experience," he said. "I got to meet with clients one-on-one and go through their returns — pretty nerve-wracking at first, but I learned a lot."

This past summer, he interned with Comerica Bank — a name well-known in his hometown and across the Midwest. "I worked in treasury management, helping middle-market businesses manage cash flows," Karel explained. "I actually found the opportunity on LinkedIn, just applying for everything I could."

Looking ahead, Karel plans to return home to pursue a career in commercial banking or financial advising. He's also preparing to take the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) exam — a major step for those entering the investment and financial analysis fields.

While his academic experiences have prepared him well, Karel's soccer journey has been just as meaningful. He joined a program in transition, and over the past four years, he's seen firsthand how Dordt's culture has grown stronger.

"When I came in, Dordt was coming off a tough season," Karel reflected. "Since then, I've seen the culture grow. With soccer, you get so many different backgrounds and nationalities — it's unique. Every year we have new guys from all over the world, but everyone buys into what we're doing."

This year's team motto — Faith. Family. Soccer has been important to Karel. "It's been great to see new guys come in and really embrace that," Karel said. "The returning players help them adjust, and everyone supports each other."

As a senior leader, Karel takes pride in helping teammates from around the world feel at home. "I actually grew up in a Spanish immersion program," he said. "So I practice my Spanish with the guys from Latin America. It's helped me build those relationships."

His leadership extends off the field as well. "Some of the international guys have come to my house for Thanksgiving the past three years," Karel added. "That's been really special for me and my family."

As graduation nears, Karel hopes younger players and prospective students will embrace the opportunities Dordt offers — even when they come with uncertainty.

"It feels like such a huge decision when you're looking at colleges — and it is," he said. "But anywhere you go, there are going to be opportunities. At Dordt, there are so many. My advice would be to take them when they come. Whether it's academic or athletic, try something new. You might not love everything you try, but you'll never regret trying."

For Karel, Dordt has been more than just a place to play soccer or earn a degree — it's been a place to grow into who he's meant to be.

"I wanted to go somewhere that would challenge me and help me grow," he said. "And Dordt has done exactly that."