For Thomas Walder, the decision to attend Dordt University began with a recruiting visit that introduced him to a group of coaches who made a lasting impression. Four years later, the senior defensive back from De Pere, Wisconsin, says the experience has not only met his expectations but exceeded them, helping him grow as a football player, student and follower of Christ.

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Walder grew up about 15 minutes from Green Bay in the northeastern corner of Wisconsin. Dordt was a long way from home, but the recruiting efforts of defensive coordinator Coach McCormick helped make the university an appealing destination.

"Coach McCormick reached out to me a lot, and I just felt his deep desire to have me a part of the program," Walder said. "I came out on a visit, really fell in love with the place, the people here and the coaches."

Walder remembers conversations with coaches Taylor Reolofs and Nathan Kabongo during his visit and the impression they made on him.

"I was just like, wow, what a nice group of coaches that really care for their players," he said.

That impression has held up throughout his college career. In fact, Walder said his experience at Dordt has exceeded what he anticipated when he first arrived on campus.  Coming from more than seven hours away, Walder initially wondered what the transition to college life would be like. Staying connected with his parents helped, but the football program played a significant role in making Dordt feel like home.

"The biggest thing for me was being a part of the football team, just being a part of a family," Walder said. "I found a great group of guys early and formed a good friendship bond with them."

He also appreciated the way coaches and older players looked out for him as a freshman. Former players Dan Jungling and Abe Stoesz were among those who reached out, offering help and making sure Walder knew he had people he could count on. Walder said the coaches continued checking on players throughout their careers, helping create an environment where students felt welcomed and supported.

While football helped Walder adjust to life at Dordt, his college experience has also included significant growth away from the field. A kinesiology major with a pre-chiropractic emphasis, Walder is preparing for his next step after graduation.

His interest in chiropractic care began with a personal connection back home. A neighbor worked as a chiropractor, and Walder visited him while dealing with some back issues during high school. The experience sparked an interest in the profession that has continued through his time at Dordt.

"I wasn't exactly sure what I wanted to be, and I had some back issues that I went and saw him for," Walder said. "It kind of struck an interest for me, and I was like, that maybe would be something I want to pursue. I've been pursuing it since."

Walder is now considering two chiropractic school options: Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Palmer College of Chiropractic in Davenport, Iowa. Both would keep him within reasonable driving distance of home, although he still has decisions to make regarding location, finances and other considerations.

The programs typically require 10 trimesters, or just over three years, giving Walder a clear picture of the commitment that lies ahead.

Before turning his full attention to that next chapter, Walder still has football to play. He has enjoyed the opportunity to contribute in Dordt's defensive secondary and experienced a memorable moment earlier this season against Morningside.

Late in the first half, Walder broke up a pass on fourth down, helping the Defenders come away with an important defensive stop. The play brought an enthusiastic response from the Dordt faithful and alumni watching from behind the play.

"It was so awesome," Walder said. "Seeing them kind of go bonkers was a really neat experience for me to have a very clutch, hype moment like that."

The play was the product of preparation and quick reaction. Walder anticipated a quick throw on fourth down and focused on maintaining his inside leverage before reacting when the receiver broke toward the middle.

"I feel like I take every play like it could be thrown my way," he said. "I reacted quick and just made sure to get my hand in there and made the play."

As a defensive back, Walder welcomes opportunities to defend the pass and make plays. He enjoys the challenge of facing offenses willing to throw the ball, knowing those situations give him a chance to contribute directly. He also believes the Defenders have plenty left to accomplish as the season progresses. Even after a challenging early schedule, Walder remains confident in the team's character and ability to respond.

"I think we still have great belief in what we're capable of," he said. "We've been tested early, had some tough matchups, but I know this team, I know the character, and I'm not worried going forward."

For Walder, being part of a team means continuing to work through adversity together and believing in what the group can accomplish.  His experience at Dordt has also shaped him in ways that extend well beyond football. Walder identified his faith development as the most significant personal change he has experienced during his four years on campus.

Coming from a public high school, he entered Dordt with a belief in the Lord but has found opportunities to deepen that faith through the university's Christian community.

"The biggest change I felt is honestly in my faith development," Walder said. "I always was a believer in the Lord, but I really just felt I've taken that next step at Dordt where I'm just seeking Him out more and more."

He pointed to growth in his prayer life, Bible study and participation in a mission trip to Liberia as meaningful parts of that journey. Those experiences have helped Walder develop a deeper commitment to his faith and a clearer understanding of the role it will play in his life beyond college.

As he looks toward graduation, chiropractic school and a future career, Walder leaves Dordt with more than a degree and four years of football memories. He carries the relationships that helped him make a home far from Wisconsin, the lessons learned through competition and adversity, and a faith that has continued to grow during his college years.

A recruiting visit brought him to Dordt. The people, the football family and the opportunity to grow in his faith have made the experience more meaningful than he initially imagined.

And while his next chapter may take him to Minnesota or eastern Iowa, Walder is grateful for the four years that helped prepare him for what comes next.