As a member of the volleyball team and an aspiring doctor, Mary Huegel '26—a biochemistry-molecular biology major from Marlboro, New Jersey—embodies what it means to be a dedicated student-athlete leader at Gettysburg College.
Huegel has received numerous honors and recognitions on the volleyball court, including twice being named both All-Centennial Conference First Team and All-Mid-Atlantic Region. In 2024, she was named Centennial Conference Volleyball Scholar-Athlete of the Year and she has helped Gettysburg to back-to-back appearances in the NCAA Division III Tournament. More recently, Huegel became the program's all-time leader in blocks during the rally scoring era (2001-present) with 360 and counting.
"I wouldn't have gotten these awards without my teammates," she shared. "Winning is more than enough, but it's nice to get recognition and realize my hard work is paying off."
Huegel chose to attend Gettysburg for the tight-knit, supportive atmosphere, which remains her favorite aspect of the school. "I love our small college community," she said. "Six of my professors were in the crowd at one of my games last season. It was cool to see that not only am I making valuable connections here, but people are also caring about my athletic pursuits. It gives me a great sense of purpose and belonging."
When she's not shutting down the opposition's best hitters, Huegel spends her days as a co-coordinator in the Ortenzio Fitness Center, helping manage one of the busiest areas of campus outside of the dining center. A fitness center supervisor last year, her responsibilities as a leader have grown this year as she oversees the entire student staff in the fitness center and works hard to create a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for all those seeking to improve their well-being.
"My favorite part of working for campus rec has been being a friendly face and helping hand to all those who use the facility," Huegel said. "It is extremely gratifying to be able to help visitors get where they need to go, answer athletic recruits' questions about the school, and give orientations to those who are new to the gym."
Away from the athletic facilities, Huegel is on the Student Life Committee, the director of academic affairs and director of alumnae engagement for Alpha Delta Pi, a teaching assistant for organic chemistry, and the vice president of the Sceptical Chymists club. She is also a member of the Order of Omega (Greek life honor society) and participates in the BOMBS peer-mentoring program, which pairs a senior volunteer with a sophomore in biochemistry and molecular biology. Last summer, Huegel conducted research on muscular physiology alongside Health Sciences Prof. Josef Brandauer.
After graduation, Huegel hopes to attend medical school and continue pursuing her passion for studying infectious diseases. "I have wanted to be a doctor since I was in sixth grade," she explained. "I love the aspects of helping people and solving puzzles. I have never imagined myself in a different career."
