Ginny Wylie ‘93 didn’t think twice before reaching into the Arkansas River to save a man’s life. That moment, like many others in her 21-year law enforcement career, cemented her as someone who consistently goes beyond the call of duty.
The Newman University sociology graduate spent more than two decades with the Wichita Police Department, earned accolades and touched lives along the way. Now retired, Wylie’s mission of service continues at her alma mater. As a former student-athlete in Newman’s inaugural women’s soccer team in 1989, she serves today as the squad’s Spiritual Companion.
What is a Spiritual Companion?
Newman launched the Spiritual Companion program in 2021 to connect each athletics team, club and student organization with alumni, staff and faculty members. Spiritual Companions pray for and offer support to their students throughout the semester.
“Ginny has been excellent for our women’s soccer program and goes above and beyond for any of our players,” said head coach Dylan Gruntzel. “She helps them with everything from finding internships and jobs to helping one buy a car. She provides snacks as well. Overall, she’s a great representation of Newman in every way.”
Connecting with students through service, snacks
Wylie makes it a point to mentor the athletes whenever she can. She helps them navigate everything from homesickness to future careers — drawing from her connections in law enforcement, education, health care and more.
“I always told the girls I coached, ‘I want you to be great soccer players, but it’s more important to be great human beings,’” Wylie said. “And part of being great human beings is giving back to your community.”
As a Spiritual Companion at Newman, Wylie organizes monthly volunteer outings to Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry, located in the Rolling Hills Community Church. There, students assemble boxes of groceries to distribute to those in need every second and fourth Monday of the month. The volunteer sessions also double as an opportunity for Wylie to check in with the athletes one-on-one.
“If you don’t build those relationships, students aren’t going to feel comfortable coming to you,” Wylie said.
In addition to occasionally feeding the team dinner or showing up with snack bags before away games, Wylie also stocks the coach’s office with goodies.
“I want these girls to go in and see their coaches, not just on the game field or practice field,” she said. “I think it’s important to continue to build that relationship between a player and coach, even if it’s just for five minutes while they grab a snack to go.”
Straight from the athletes
Senior Morgan Todd of Colorado will always remember the challenges of moving seven and a half hours away from her family. But she will also remember how quickly Wylie helped her feel at home at Newman University.
“On the first day I moved in my freshman year, I heard a knock on the door,” Todd said. “Ginny introduced herself as our Spiritual Companion and let us know she’s a resource who wants to be here for us. She is one of the most supportive people on campus. She’s at all of our home games and even told my parents that she’s going to look after us girls, which meant a lot for a parent to hear.”
Todd shared that Wylie’s impact also extends beyond soccer-related activities, such as serving as a supportive presence when life’s challenges arise.
“My sophomore year was a really hard time for me, so I went home early for spring break,” Todd explained. “Ginny was worried about me and reached out, but she doesn’t force herself into your situation, either. She’s there to be a listening ear if you need her.”
Emma Lintecum, a junior pre-veterinary major and soccer player, described Wylie as “an amazing resource.”
“I needed help getting connected in the community because I’m not from Wichita,” Lintecum said. “She’s connected me with service at the food pantry, vet shadow placements and even service hours with the Wichita Animal Action League. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Ginny. She has just been an amazing mentor and friend.”
Lintecum and her teammates agree that Wylie is a leader by example. What strikes Lintecum the most, however, is Wylie’s ability to make connections with others.
“She’s such a wonderful person and it shows with all the different relationships that she has,” Lintecum said. “Ginny is incredibly strong and kind. And you can tell why everybody likes her — because her personality and her leadership style are just so servant-oriented.”
Why Wylie gives back to Newman University
Wylie will always be grateful for her Newman professors, the small campus atmosphere and emphasis on faith that allowed her to grow into the person she was meant to be.
“I thought I wanted to go into elementary education, but Dr. Larry Heck’s sociology classes were so interesting that they led me into that path of sociology,” Wylie explained. “Sister (Carmelita) Blick helped me pass math, and I learned to fall in love with history because of Sister Charlotte (Rohrbach). I have so many amazing memories and friendships.”
While coaching club soccer for 12 years, Wylie often reminded her athletes that the friendships they form in college will last for years to come.
“Here we are 36 years later, and the people I met at Newman are still my best friends,” Wylie said.
Her mission is to help today’s athletes build bonds that last just as long.
“Serving as a Spiritual Companion makes me feel like I’m serving my purpose,” Wylie said. “I also feel more connected, as if I were still a Newman student. It makes me feel young again.”
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