Program: Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology
Sport: Curling
Position: Skip
Having only used three-year of eligibility, Josie Zimmerman can etch her name in the record books as one of the most decorated Vikings student-athletes to dawn the red, black and white as she nears graduation where she will receive a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology on Sunday afternoon.
As the skipper of the women's curling team for the previous three seasons, Zimmerman alongside teammates Claire Bevan-Stewart, Bryn Woloshyn, Randi Cameron and her sister Hope Zimmerman, the team managed to collect hardware every season including Alberta Colleges Athletics Conference (ACAC) gold in 2022, ACAC silver in 2023, ACAC bronze in 2024 and most notably a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Championships title in 2023.
"The moment when our women's curling team won the CCAA championships was surreal. It is such an honor to represent such a good school at the national level and then to be able to succeed in winning gold against national athletes was incredible," said Zimmerman. "When my team realized we had won the gold, of course, we were ecstatic and also overjoyed that we were able to pull off the win! I remember thinking afterward about how I had never thought I would be able to accomplish something like that, but we did and it felt amazing. It is one of my favorite memories I will look back on from my years at Augustana."
In addition, Zimmerman added accolades to her name in 2023 including the ACAC Female Curlier of the year and was named the Vikings Female Athlete of the Year to cap off her sophomore season.
However, even through all of her success on the ice Zimmerman still managed to keep her studies at the forefront of mind, being named a two time CCAA National Scholar and helped the curling team secure the coveted Vikings Team GPA this past year for the team with the highest average GPA. Zimmerman will now hope to continue her studies as she applies for a Masters of Physiotherapy while also continuing to curl.
Before she crosses the stage this weekend, Zimmerman encourages students and student-athletes to enjoy all the moments that come with post-secondary education and athletics.
"Soak it all in, and enjoy every moment," shares Zimmerman. "From the feeling of overwhelming joy after a win and the disappointment after a loss or the confusion of picking classes or comfort in hanging out with friends, you are able to experience those feelings that some others may not or never will. I look back now and wish I would have just paused for a few more moments sometimes and spent a little more time being present in university rather than always looking ahead."
Join Josie and other Vikings graduates on Sunday, June 2, 2024 at 2:30pm at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre. For more information visit ualberta.ca/augustana.