Corey Whitlock
Graduation year: 2024
High school: Assumption High School
Hometown: Davenport, Iowa
Major: Creative writing
Minors: English; film
Activities: Varsity women's basketball
Internships: Fresh Films and WHBF-TV
Post-grad plans: I plan on working in Texas where I will pursue a career in the film industry and write novels.
Why Augustana?
I transferred to Augustana because it had the field of study I was looking for. However, what won me over was the women's basketball team. A group of wonderful people that I love and I'm thankful for everything they have done for me. Also, the campus is close to home and is very beautiful.
Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?
Yes, coming here has given me the chance to grow for my teachers, and coaches have let me go after what I have wanted. I have learned and experienced many things even after only being here for one year.
Who helped you get to where you are now?
Mark Beinborn has helped me grow physically and mentally. Playing basketball for him has taught me how to be strong when things go wrong and how to overcome these challenges. He gave me the freedom to be myself and that helped me perform well for my teammates. I thank him for helping me become a confident person who can do anything.
Peak experience?
My peak experience would be excelling in my basketball career. I have had struggles playing through the years, but given the freedom and trust as a senior, I was able to teach and lead my teammates. They made my experience amazing, and I thank them for it.
What surprised you?
What surprised me was how the athletic department was so encouraging and fun to be around. Any time I was in the gym, a coach or staff member would come up and talk with me. Thanks to being in a small school, I felt like I knew everyone in the gym and felt connected to them all. I enjoyed the fun interactions when talking about basketball.
How did you use your Augie Choice?
I used my Augie Choice for a summer internship, which was unpaid. Augie Choice helped me pay for food and gas.
What will you miss the most?
I'm going to miss the athletic department because I really enjoyed my time with them, but I'll mostly miss my basketball team. The coaches are amazing, and they have made playing basketball fun for me. My teammates have given me the love of basketball. Without them, it wouldn't have been the same, and I'm grateful that I got to end my career with them.
Advice for the Class of 2028?
Embrace the new challenges that you will face. It might be scary at first, but look past the challenges and you might find something good on the other side. I know I did, so you can too.
"Corey is one of the most hard-working, selfless players that I have coached. I couldn't be too hard on her because she expected more of herself and constantly pushed through obstacles. One of the most important aspects of being a successful student-athlete is being able to find balance with classroom, sport and social life, and Corey excelled in the classroom and on the floor by keeping her priorities in order and working hard. She led by example on a daily basis, and her leadership is going to be missed."