Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2025 graduates.
As a Division I athlete on the ASU Women’s Soccer team juggling a full course load, Meighan Farrell had little free time — yet she still carved out space to contribute to the community.
“At ASU I realized I was a people person who loves to help others in need,” said Farrell, who majored in organizational leadership with a concentration in project management in the School of Applied Professional Studies, part of the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts. She's also a fall 2025 Dean's Medalist for the college.
She volunteered with numerous organizations, including The Foster Alliance, Animal Rescue Foundation, Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano, ASU’s Pat’s Run, Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area, and St. Vincent de Paul, among others.
Farrell, of Walnut Creek, California, also dedicated her time to coaching the next generation of athletes through the COPA Soccer Training Center and Danville Mustangs Soccer Club.
Her faculty mentor, Assistant Teaching Professor Wade Lueck, who nominated Farrell for the Dean’s Medalist honor, said, “Meighan embodies what it means to be a Sun Devil — she leads with humility, serves with passion and strives for excellence in all she does.”
Graduating summa cum laude and having earned an athletic scholarship during her time at ASU, Farrell hopes to continue her success in human resources or construction management after graduating.
Here she shares more about her college journey.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: Being a student-athlete at ASU was one of the most challenging and rewarding things that could have ever happened to me. It taught me how to persevere through tough times, how to cope with my stress levels, and how to manage my life.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I chose ASU because it allowed me to pursue both of my passions, which are soccer and leadership.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Dr. Wade Lueck was the most amazing professor I have had in my school career. He is kind, attentive and really cares about his students. After I took one of his classes, I purposely chose another class that he was the professor of because of how good he is at his job. He taught me how to be a good leader while also caring for individuals.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: The best piece of advice I would give to those still in school is to not be afraid to fail and make mistakes. Mistakes and failures are a huge part of the learning process. Failure does not define who you are as a person, but it helps you discover the person you are becoming.
Q: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
A: I would build homes and shelters for homeless dogs and people.
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