Trina Rinke originally chose to attend Gustavus after visiting the college many times to watch her older siblings play sports.

By the time it came to make her own college decision, there was no question. Trina had already fallen in love with Gustavus. “I was hooked before I even started any college visits,” Trina said.

A member of the women’s soccer team, Trina was looking forward to the fall season. However, Harold got in the way.

Harold is the name Trina gave to a tumor “the size of a small Nerf football” in her pelvic region.

Trina found the tumor in early July when she went to urgent care after feeling ill and having stomach pain.

Five days later, Harold and other smaller tumors of ovarian cancer were surgically removed.

To make sure that Harold never returns, Trina started chemotherapy soon after and consequently decided to take the fall semester off from school where she is majoring in elementary education.

Recently, the Gustavus women’s soccer team held a ‘Game for Trina’.

“Our team is incredibly close, and we have a true culture of family, so everyone on the team immediately stepped into action to start to brainstorm ways to support and honor Trina,” Head coach Laura Burnett-Kurie said.

One way in which they did so was to make wristbands that read “I hate Harold.”

With support from organizations all over campus, the team raised money for the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance through optional donations as well as selling “Team Trina” T-shirts.

“Trina always finds the humor in things and can change the atmosphere of a room by just walking into it.” — Emily Skogseth

There was a record turnout for the game.

“The Game for Trina is just another opportunity for the team to grow and honor a really cool person” Assistant coach Brenton Frayne said.

Trina was able to be there for the game, announcing the line-ups and saying a few words at halftime. She continues to support her team by attending games as a ‘volunteer coach’ on the sidelines.

After the game, Patrick’s in downtown St. Peter also supported MOCA by donating 25 percent of their proceeds to the cause.

Fellow teammate Emily Skogseth met Trina during her first-year soccer preseason.

“Trina leads by example in finding joy in everything that she does, and makes light of any negative situation,” Skogseth said.

“[She] always finds the humor in things and can change the atmosphere of a room by just walking into it.”

Teammate and friend Emily Hilk met Trina also through soccer; they grew up playing together, but they did not become close until high school.

Now they are both glad to still be playing on the same team at Gustavus.

“Trina is super outgoing, and she is unapologetically herself” Hilk said.
Hilk added how Trina is known for her sweatpants collection.

“Her favorite pair are her ‘party pants.’ They’re bright green felt pants that she wears with any outfit”.

Tianna Raden, a fellow elementary education major has spent lots of fun times with Trina, “from the constant singing, to weeknights spent eating ramen and playing cribbage, to homework meltdowns, and having every class together spring semester [of] sophomore year, we are almost constantly laughing at or with each other” Raden said.

Trina’s parents have been keeping a close account of her journey through cancer on the Caring Bridge website.

“Trina is the most positive and encouraging person I know. She’s not afraid to be herself and carries joy with her, wherever she goes.” — Tianna Raden

They have documented all the ups and downs of this obstacle, as well as Trina’s mental toughness. Her optimism is what keeps her going.

Trina’s attitude toward Harold has led to opportunities such as fundraising events and other interviews, such as the one she gave for the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota this last week.

Trina is due to finish chemotherapy soon, and can’t wait to return to campus for the spring semester. “Adversity always tests individuals’ strength, and Trina has fought Harold head-on,” Burnett-Kurie said.

Trina misses her classes and being around campus, as well as being involved with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and Big Partner Little Partner.
“I am most excited to be in such proximity to friends and the amazing Gustavus community”.