Bison Spotlight: Hannah Arnold, NDSU women’s soccer

Balancing the demands of Division I athletics and rigorous academics is no small task, but Hannah Arnold, a midfielder on NDSU’s soccer team, is proving that success on the field and in the classroom go hand in hand.

A driven competitor and dedicated student, Arnold embodies what it means to be a Bison student-athlete by being committed, resilient and ready to make an impact. Arnold, who is majoring in biology, credits the skills she has gained on the field for helping her in the classroom.

“Personally, I believe most of my success in the classroom has come from soccer. It has taught me that nothing is given, everything is earned. I’ve learned how to cooperate with others, even when they are stubborn. I learned how to have thoughtful and effective communication with my teachers. Most importantly, it taught me how to effectively problem solve and advocate for myself in harder situations,” said Arnold, a junior from Littleton, Colorado.

In her time at NDSU, Arnold earned a place on the Summit league Honor Roll in 2023, and the Academic All-District Team and Summit League All-Academic Team in 2024.

While the school year can get hectic with games and classes, Arnold stays motivated by creating goals for herself, both related to soccer and academics. Professors have also helped by ensuring she has everything she needs to be successful.

Arnold was drawn toward her major because of her interest in forensic science. A biology degree has enabled Arnold to gain a deeper understanding of lab work, allowing her to tailor her degree to her interests by minoring in forensics and criminal justice.

After she graduates, Arnold wants to pursue a career in forensics, though she hopes to continue playing soccer for many more years.

“I have a desire to go professional, if possible,” she said. “Growing up, I have always had that goal and could never see myself doing anything else. Being the stubborn person I am, I want to see that through.”

Outside of soccer, Arnold has enjoyed making connections with people across campus.

“I would consider myself a more reserved person, so I always knew that creating relationships in college would be a struggle for me. However, the people at and around the school are all amazing, and I could not be more grateful to know all the people I do here,” she said.

Among Arnold’s biggest mentors are her parents, who she says support her endlessly throughout the years.

“Their support throughout my entire life in both the classroom and on the field has been tremendous,” she said. “Just thinking about how much time and effort they spend on my two younger siblings and I, on top of their jobs, is something that I will always be so thankful for. On top of this, I grew up watching masters in time management, which I have taken into my college career, managing school and soccer.”

Arnold recalls becoming interested in soccer around eight years old, when her younger sister, Ava, started a soccer camp. After watching her sister play a few games, Arnold signed up and immediately fell in love with the sport.

NDSU’s athletics program and the soccer team’s strong team culture were among many of the qualities that made Arnold choose NDSU.

“Every day I become more impressed by the pure love for the game, the desire to be the best team and the overall compassion for one another and the community we are part of. Without a doubt, I knew I had chosen the right place for me as I am surrounded by not only great soccer players, but even better people.”

Every time she wears her Bison jersey, Arnold feels immense pride to represent the university.

“To wear the Bison jersey and represent NDSU means the world to me,” she said. “Growing up, I always knew that I wanted to play at the next level, but I never knew how lucky I was going to be to represent such a prideful and passionate community.

“Wearing the Bison jersey means that I am no longer playing for just me, or just my team, but for the staff that support us behind the scenes and the fans that show out game after game whether in the stands or at home. To be a Bison now means to be a Bison forever, and for that I am forever grateful.”