Anna Nelson '26

Anna Nelson ‘26 | Business Administration Management and Finance major 

Hailing from Gorham, Maine, Anna Nelson ’26 transferred to Saint Anselm College as a sophomore after hearing about her brother’s positive experience on the Hilltop. Now a member of the Women’s Basketball team, Nelson manages to find time to involve herself in campus extracurriculars despite her busy student-athlete schedule. 

Why did you transfer to Saint Anselm?

My older brother went here and ran on the Men’s Cross Country team. He had tons of great things to say about the school and had a very positive experience. The academic prestige, competitive athletics program, and campus community were the three biggest reasons that I transferred. 

How did you choose what you wanted to study?

I always enjoyed mathematics and the strategy behind business, so I knew I wanted to pursue something in that area. I started as just a Business Administration Management major, and in my first class after transferring, my professor outwardly stated, “if you’re a woman in the room and you’re not a Finance major, you should double up.” I was in a unique position when I transferred where I was ahead in a lot of credits, so I sort of did need another major. It worked out well and I’ve enjoyed both majors. They are different but very similar in many ways. 

As a woman planning to enter a male-dominated field, what’s been your experience in your classes?

It’s given me confidence to be myself no matter what and to not be afraid to show my personality. I live with all Nursing majors so as the only Business Administration Management and Finance major, they found it interesting that most of my classes are predominately composed of men. I think being on a women’s sports team while taking predominantly male-dominated courses has strengthened my ability to communicate with a wide range of people, defend my ideas clearly, and remain confident in competitive environments. Overall, these experiences have helped me grow academically and personally while preparing me for a professional field where strong communication and confidence are essential.

How has your experience on the Women’s Basketball team been?

Above all, it’s been what I wanted and more. As a transfer, it’s easy to be scared, but from the first day my teammates became my best friends. That’s the culture of our team; everyone is close, and that translates into the court. In the 2024-2025 season, we had a lot of success, so we’re hoping to keep that energy going for the 2025-2026 season. I’m playing for a great coaching staff in a competitive conference (NE-10) and get to practice with my best friends every day. 

Athletics aside, what are you involved in on campus?

I’m part of the Professional Development Initiative (PDI) and am also a team representative on the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC.) The PDI’s goal is to promote business-related work experience for Saint Anselm students. I help manage and distribute funds and plan networking events for students and the alumni of the College. Through SAAC, I advocate for the interests of student-athletes and to foster communication between athletes and the administration. We plan and attend lots of events to improve the athletics community. We also provide input and vote on NCAA rules, regulations, and policies. I’m also a member of the Women in Businessclub. 

You recently interned with Fidelity Investments. How was that experience?

I applied for the internship in Boston, and I’m from Maine, so I knew if I got it, there was a possibility that I’d have to move there for the summer—and I did! It was an incredible experience; I lived by myself for about 10 weeks because the internship was right in Boston’s Financial District. It was a lot to adjust to, but it was so worth it. I learned so much at Fidelity and was able to dive fully into my internship. After I completed it, I was offered a full-time role at Fidelity which I will begin after graduating! I wanted to grow the technical skills I’ve learned as a Finance major and start my career in a company where I could build upon that knowledge down the line, which is exactly what I’ll be doing. 

How have you felt supported on the Hilltop?

There is so much support being a student-athlete, not only from your teammates and coaches but from administration. They are always looking to make the student-athlete experience a positive one. My first instructor on campus, Professor Jaime Orrego, has come to every single one of our home basketball games and even some away games. He’s become a mentor for me off the court. Fr. Basil Franciose, O.S.B. (our SAAC liaison) is always there for support too. I’ve also been supported by faculty in the Economics and Business Department like Professor Luke Miller, Professor Nicole Hruban, Professor Dina Frutos-Bencze, and Professor Jennifer Kelber.

What are some of your favorite Saint Anselm memories?

My team went to the 2025 NCAA tournament at Bentley University. Having that experience of going to a post-season tournament is amazing. When you get to that moment, all the hard work and sacrifices you’ve made feel like you’re exactly where you dreamed you’d be, and we’re striving to be there again. I’ve gotten very lucky to have a great group of roommates, teammates, and classmates. I spend a lot of time with the people who have shaped my experience, and I love walking around campus and seeing friendly faces. That’s a great portrayal of what it means to be Anselmian.

How has being a Saint Anselm student-athlete changed you? 

Saint Anselm is a community-focused campus that extends into athletics. Being a part of the Women’s Basketball team has shown me what it means to be part of something bigger than myself. That’s something you want in any part of your life, something that uplifts and supports you. Athletics is also super competitive, which is awesome. The fact that we have so many teams that have found success makes me extremely proud and honored to go here. A lot of the habits that I’ve developed as a student-athlete translate to academics and my future career aspirations. I’ve become a better communicator, a harder worker, and honed my time management skills to be able to do all that I wish to do. I am so grateful for everything that I have learned at Saint Anselm College.