From Behind the Lens: The Scariest 'No' and the Best 'Yes'

A college student reflects on how changing course led her to unexpected opportunities.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:29pm

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A blurred, impressionistic photograph depicting the soft, warm glow of a college campus, with students walking, studying, and socializing in the foreground, conveying a sense of nostalgia and the bittersweet emotions of a college experience coming to an end.As a college senior reflects on her unexpected journey, the campus she's called home for four years takes on a dreamlike, nostalgic quality.Louisville Today

Danielle Bednar, a senior at the University of Louisville, shares her journey of decommitting from a college softball scholarship and instead joining the school's rowing team. She describes how this unexpected path ultimately led her to discover new passions and connections that have shaped her college experience in profound ways.

Why it matters

Bednar's story highlights the importance of being open to change and following your true interests, even when it means going against initial plans or expectations. Her experience challenges the notion that there is only one path to success and encourages students to embrace unexpected opportunities that may arise.

The details

Bednar had always dreamed of playing college softball, but when she committed to a school her junior year of high school, something didn't feel right. Over time, she realized she no longer loved the sport. After a conversation with her dad, who told her she didn't have to play if she didn't want to, Bednar decommitted and ended up at the University of Louisville, where she joined the rowing team. This experience led her to new connections, including working with the baseball team, that have shaped her college journey in profound ways.

  • In July 2021, Bednar's dad told her she didn't have to play softball if she didn't want to.
  • Bednar decommitted from her original college and ended up at the University of Louisville.
  • Bednar joined the rowing team at the University of Louisville her freshman year.

The players

Danielle Bednar

A senior at the University of Louisville who shares her journey of decommitting from a college softball scholarship and instead joining the school's rowing team, leading her to unexpected opportunities.

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What they’re saying

“You know, you don't have to play if you don't want to.”

— Danielle Bednar's father

The takeaway

Bednar's story encourages students to be open to change and to embrace unexpected opportunities, even if they don't align with initial plans or expectations. Her experience shows that following your true interests can lead to profound personal growth and fulfillment, even if the path is not what you initially envisioned.