College basketball and rowing gave Anita DeFrantz opportunities she never had, and her competitive spirit fueled her career.

As a trainer on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” Jen Widerstrom’s work involves supporting and pushing contestants to achieve their goals. Now in her second season with the program that is part weight-loss competition, part reality television show, Widerstrom – a former hammer thrower on the University of Kansas track and field team – thinks of her job as a way of sharing the story of the human condition.

Anna Kottkamp would prefer not to be labeled a perfect example of a student-athlete, even if she is the first from the University of Notre Dame to be named valedictorian of a graduating class. But her successes are certainly an example to uphold. Kottkamp walked on to the rowing team as a freshman with no experience, yet finished with a full scholarship.

The Barry Buccaneers made winning a national title their 2015 goal and went on to enjoy sweeping success in NCAA Division II. Having two former Olympians on the coaching staff helped boost the Bucs.