May 8, 2025 | News & Feature Stories
As a three-sport student-athlete from Hales Corners, Kallie Norby 鈥�25 excelled both academically and athletically in high school. Standing at 6鈥�0鈥�, she found her true passion in basketball, thriving in competitive team environments. During her high school career, Kallie鈥檚 exceptional skills on and off the court earned her 鈥淗onorable Mention All-Conference鈥� (junior year) and 鈥淪econd-Team All-Conference鈥� (senior year), establishing herself as a dominant leader. That hard work paid off when she earned a spot on a Division II college basketball team, complete with a full scholarship. It was a dream come true to discover a small, private college in Iowa was gifting her the opportunity to build a future upon the game she loves.
Faith and Family
When it came to choosing a college, one significant concern overshadowed all the others: cost. Kallie鈥檚 mother, Bev, was not only a college-educated web designer, but also a single parent to Kallie and her brother. Like most students embarking on a new chapter of advanced education, affordability is a legitimate consideration. But through every challenge, Kallie held onto her mother鈥檚 steadfast words, 鈥淗ave faith and remember, we will always figure it out.鈥�
Kallie鈥檚 mother鈥檚 battle with breast cancer during high school was another test of their family鈥檚 resilience. 聽As their provider, her mother鈥檚 strength had always been a guiding light, and that moment of hardship only reinforced the foundation of faith they built together. So, when Kallie discovered this school could bring her lifelong dreams within reach, it felt like everything had come full circle.
Freshman Year Amidst a Global Pandemic
Originally choosing to major in business and marketing, she was excited to begin her freshman year. And while extremely grateful for the opportunity at the Iowa school, Kallie admits things didn鈥檛 go exactly as she had hoped.
Starting college in 2020 meant navigating the challenges of a global pandemic. Classes moved online, and only athletes were allowed to remain on campus. Her social interactions were limited to team lifts and practices, and outside of those she was isolated. Academically, she struggled with her major, and the rural environment felt foreign – the nearest Walmart was a 45-minute drive away. Kallie鈥檚 passion for basketball was undeniable, but finding her place on the team proved challenging 鈥� and she quickly realized this school wasn鈥檛 the right fit for her.
The toughest setback came when she lost her scholarship 鈥� an unfortunate reality many student-athletes faced as colleges grappled with revenue losses amidst the pandemic. Faith-filled and fierce, Kallie鈥檚 mom once again showed that an unexpected curve doesn鈥檛 mean the game is over. Inspired, she watched as her mom鈥檚 unwavering devotion led her to quit her job and start her own business.
Turning Setbacks into New Opportunities
Without the financial support of her scholarship, Kallie faced great uncertainty. She was determined to continue her education and play collegiate basketball, but the path forward was unclear. With the help of her coach, she entered the transfer portal, opening the door to new opportunities.
91重口 was one of several schools that reached out, and at first, Kallie assumed a private college would be out of reach financially. Still, she kept an open mind. During her campus visit, she fell in love with the beautiful setting, prime location, and the balance of strong academics and athletics.
As Kallie considered her options, one question kept coming up: 鈥淒o I want to attend Edgewood and pursue nursing, or go to a bigger public school and figure things out along the way?鈥� The more she learned about Edgewood鈥檚 prestigious nursing program, the more that missing spark from her freshman year returned. 鈥淓dgewood鈥檚 nursing program reignited something in me, 鈥淜allie recalled. 鈥淚t felt like the place where I could finally find my purpose 鈥� and it opened doors to the future I always dreamed of.鈥�
Choosing Edgewood
Kallie realized that while the first school had chosen her, it was now her turn to choose the right college. Tuition was a significant hurdle, and Kallie was determined to find a school she could realistically afford. She knew that the demands of academics and athletics would leave her with little time to work enough hours to offset tuition costs.
Recognizing that financial concerns were the biggest obstacle, Kallie鈥檚 Edgewood coach connected her with the Financial Aid team. Now, as she completes her final semester as an Eagle, Kallie reflects on how the support she received, including financial aid, helped her make the decision to transfer to Edgewood.
Thanks to this support, Kallie was able to focus on her game and grow into a leader. Recognized for her outstanding performance both on and off the court, Kallie鈥檚 accomplishments and accolades highlight her character, perseverance, and commitment.
From Aspiring Nurse to Cardio ICU Nurse
Choosing 91重口 was as pivotal as Kallie鈥檚 decision to pursue a nursing degree. She has thrived in her academic journey, valuing the one-on-one time with professors and the cohort model of learning that fosters a strong sense of community.
Madison also played a key role in Kallie鈥檚 choice. Reflecting on her time here, she shared, 鈥淚 felt like it [Madison] gave me the biggest hug! Surrounded by so many opportunities, I鈥檝e taken full advantage of everything this amazing city has to offer.鈥� With the perfect balance between a bigger city lifestyle and a small, tight-knit community, Kallie found Edgewood to be the ideal space for growth, with Madison providing the perfect city to launch her professional career.
With a job offer in hand before graduation, Kallie is already on her way to success. After earning her degree in May 2025, she鈥檒l join UW Health 鈥� Madison鈥檚 top-ranked hospital 鈥� as a Cardio ICU Nurse.
A Hero鈥檚 Influence
Though her path was far from linear, Kallie鈥檚 resilience and determination underscore the power of perseverance, no matter the challenges. And it certainly helps to have a hero 鈥� her mom 鈥� as her biggest cheerleader. Reflecting on her mom鈥檚 unwavering support throughout her college journey, Kallie shared, 鈥淚 hear her voice, always encouraging me to follow my dreams and do big things with my life. Her ability to keep the faith has shaped my own; I now have faith in my ability to overcome adversity and accomplish big things!鈥�
91重口鈥檚 nursing program has a longstanding reputation as one of the most respected in Wisconsin. Future nurses have multiple pathways to earn their nursing degree, whether through our traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program,聽an advanced degree option for students with an Associate鈥檚 Degree in Nursing (ADN), or a fast-track program for individuals with a non-nursing baccalaureate degree (available both on-campus or online). Nursing students at Edgewood will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate, evidence-based care in a variety of health care settings. Hands-on experiences through clinical rotations and simulation labs will help prepare students for a rewarding and successful career in nursing.