Breann Sundell said she first attended college in the fall of 2011, majoring in business at WKU. Despite her enthusiasm and dedication, she said financial hurdles soon emerged. She said the challenges with FAFSA and not being able to pull out loans, left her unable to secure the necessary funds to continue her studies.
To make ends meet and try to pay for tuition, she said she started bartending at 18 years old at local events. Despite her efforts, she left WKU after completing courses in psychology.
During her time out of college, Breann Sundell said she embarked on a career in paintball with Maxt. She said she quickly found her place on a team called the Immortal Angels, a paintball team based in Franklin, Indiana, where she said her dedication and skills shone brightly.
Breann Sundell said she first got into paintball when she was building her friends list on MySpace in middle school. She said she was able to make connections with people who happened to play paintball.
“My mom drove me down to Tennessee to watch a paintball tournament,” Breann Sundell said. “I was in awe of the sport and how unique it was.”
Breann Sundell said she joined the Immortal Angels because she had some female friends who are on the team. She said they reached out to her to go to tryouts.
“Joining the Immortal Angels was a turning point for me,” Breann Sundell said. “It gave me a sense of purpose and community.”
Breann Sundell said she has been playing competitive paintball for 20 years, ever since she was 13 years old. In the midst of her paintball career, she said she embraced motherhood, welcoming a daughter into her life. She said juggling the responsibilities of being a parent as well as a dedicated team member was challenging. However, she managed to find a balance.
“Having my daughter was the best thing that ever happened to me,” Breann Sundell said. “It made me more determined to succeed in every aspect of my life.”
Breann Sundell said her daughter, now 10 years old, has been a pillar of support as she returns to college. She also said the bond between them is incredibly strong and her daughter’s encouragement means the world to her.
“My daughter has been super supportive of me going back to school.” Breann Sundell said. “ She understands the importance of education and is always cheering me on.”
Each day, Breann Sundell said she makes it a point to instill confidence and ambition in her daughter.
“I tell her every day that she can be whatever she wants to be,” Breann Sundell said.
Breann Sundell said these daily words of encouragement have not only strengthened their relationship but also inspired her daughter to dream big and work hard toward her goals.
Now, as Breann Sundell returns to college majoring in business, she said her passion for paintball remains intact. She said she is eager to reopen the paintball club at WKU, aiming to provide the same sense of camaraderie and opportunity that she found.
“I want to give other students the chance to experience what I did,” Breann Sundell said. “Reopening the paintball club is just the beginning. I also hope to establish scholarships for paintball players to support their education and athletic pursuits.”
Outside of college and paintball, Breann Sundell said she dedicates her time to an organization called Guardians of the Children, a biker group that supports children who have been abused.
“Being part of Guardians of the Children is incredibly fulfilling,” Breann Sundell said. “We provide a sense of security and support to kids who have gone through really tough times.”
Breann Sundell said her passion for helping others has made her an integral part of the group. She often participates in events and rides, raising awareness and funds for the cause.
“It’s more than just riding bikes,” Breann Sundell said. “It’s about showing these kids that they have a whole community behind them, ready to protect and support them.”
Breann Sundell said her commitment to Guardians of the Children has also provided her with a sense of purpose outside of her academic and athletic pursuits.
“Giving back to the community through this organization has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Breann Sundell said. “It reminds me of the importance of compassion and the impact we can have on others’ lives.”
Graduate Student Instructor Abner Welp in the English Department said he has praised Breann Sundell as a model student, highlighting her dedication and commitment to her education.
“She is a great student,” Welp said. “She always brings her best to her work and a level of strong engagement to the classroom that I believe influences her peers.”
Welp said that despite Breann Sundell’s demanding schedule, she consistently participates in class discussions and maintains a high level of engagement.
“I seem to recall a time she came to class one afternoon after having traveled across the country for a tournament,” Welp said. “That is the type of dedication I appreciate.”
Welp said that his appreciation for her hard work and commitment underscores the respect she has earned within the academic community.
“I think her dedication also shows in the quality of her essays, and in my introductory composition class, where I teach students to bring a level of true honesty to their output,” Welp said. “It is fortifying to have a student who puts in the work and cares.”
Breann Sundell’s brother, Brandon Sundell, said he has always been supportive of her decision. When she first mentioned her desire to return to school, Brandon Sundell said he showed his full support.
“We support her going back to school,” Brandon Sundell said. “She is willing to do whatever it takes to achieve her dreams that many other people choose not to do.”
Growing up, Brandon Sundell said he saw a dedicated drive in her. He could tell she was determined to make something of herself, even when things got tough.
Brandon Sundell said there were times when money was tight, and she knew she had to step up. She juggled high school and a part-time job at the mall to help pay the bills, all while keeping her dreams alive.
“Growing up, there were months where she was paying the bills or buying our Christmas presents,” Brandon Sundell said. “Her job at 15-16 years old kept our head above water and prolonged us losing the house until we had to move out and live with family friends.”
Breann Sundell said she hopes her experience will inspire others to pursue their dreams and appreciate the value of education.
“I tell other students in my classes to never take college for granted,” Breann Sundell said. “Every step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your goals.”