More than a legacy
12/02/2020
Caitlyn Renner with Bluffton's mascots, J. Denny and Jenny Beaver
Renner follows family to Bluffton, but carves her own path
With a family legacy like Caitlyn Renner’s, there was little doubt as to where the sophomore speech-language pathology and audiology major from Cairo, Ohio, would choose to attend college. Renner’s brother is a 2020 Bluffton University graduate and her parents, Chris and Angie, are 1994 graduates. Both sets of grandparents and an aunt and uncle also call themselves Bluffton Beavers.
“Bluffton was like a home away from home, and when I got here, it was even better than I expected. I love how easy it is to make so many close friendships,” said Renner. “I feel that Bluffton’s faculty and staff really care about my success, and they are always willing to help when I need it.”
Renner is also following her family’s path as a student-athlete. Both her brother and father excelled on the men’s basketball team. However, Renner is carving her own way as a track and field standout. During her first indoor track and field season, Renner broke Bluffton’s long jump record and was named Heartland Collegiate Athletic Conference Freshman of the Year. She also secured HCAC 2nd team placements in the long jump and 4x200 relay.
“I was able to start out strong right from the beginning of my athletic career because of the support and help from my coaches and team,” said Renner. “Each of my teammates really pushed me to do my best and to rise to my full potential.”
Along with indoor and outdoor track and field, Renner competes on the volleyball team. She literally has a sport for every season.
“I’m very happy Bluffton decided to move forward with athletics in the fall and winter because sports allow me to be more involved with my friends,” explained Renner. “They provide a time where I can destress and just do what I love.”
Renner is also involved in the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) and is a tutor in the Learning Resource Center. She was initially drawn to a career in therapy out of the desire to help people, but ultimately choose SLPA after also shadowing professionals in occupational therapy and physical therapy.
“Helping someone find their voice and be confident in using it is something that I believe is very important,” said Renner, who currently plans to work in a school setting. “I definitely believe I chose the right major, and I’m extremely excited for the future.”