Posted: Sep 09, 2020
"Where Are They Now" continues with women's water polo standout, Joy (Cyprian) Buechler. During her four-year career, she helped the Regals win two Collegiate III National Championships (2007 & '10), and make one more appearance ('08). She is a two-time First Team All-American (2009 & '10) and also earned Second Team ('08). On top of all the accolades and awards, Buechler is also the program leader in goals scored (223), second in assists (143) and fifth in drawn exclusions. For a season, she ranks third, seventh and tenth in goals scored, third and fifth in assists, and ninth in drawn exclusions. Now, Buechler is a Nurse Practicioner in Orthopedic Surgery.
What years were you at Cal Lutheran and what made you want to come here?
I was at CLU from 2006-10. I was interested in playing water polo and had a very positive experience meeting with coach Matt Warshaw. Hearing the way he described the team and their goals made it a done deal!
While at Cal Lutheran, what was your experience like?
Oh wow! How to summarize this?! It was formative/challenging/engaging/fun/and life changing! I had an amazing group of mentors, not only on the pool deck with Coach Rond and Coach Warshaw, but also in the classroom with Dr. LeBlanc. These were individuals who truly cared about your progress, success and growth. I felt supported, challenged and most of all - learned that you are capable of achieving anything.
How was your experience with the team and other athletes?
So, so, so great. Our team had a blast! We worked hard, encouraged each other to give it our best, and had a great time doing it. As a team we would go cheer on the baseball players when our schedule allowed, which was great for bonding and also supporting our fellow athletes! Our coaches encouraged us to connect in and out of the pool - and I truly think that made us a better team.
What is your current job, and how did Cal Lutheran prepare you for that?
I currently work as a Nurse Practitioner in Orthopedic Surgery. After CLU, I went to Yale for my nursing and nurse practitioner degrees. Through my education at CLU, both in and out of the classroom I was able to jump right into my nursing program. I feel so fortunate to have had the opportunities, guidance and mentors to get me where I am today!
How did being a student-athlete prepare you for your professional career?
Life boils down to teamwork and camaraderie. No one is truly self made - we're all in it together (even more so now!). The team aspect of water polo is 1000% applicable to my day-to-day of interacting with staff, patients and my health care colleagues. We all share the same goals - effective, efficient and safe health care. Everyone, from the surgeons to the house keeping staff - we all have vital roles in the success of the larger goal, no different than winning a SCIAC title ;)
What is your favorite part about the job?
Helping people to move the way they'd like to. Initially I thought it was because "I wanted to fix ailments", but in hindsight that's too simplistic. My patients come to see me because their shoulder is bothering them when they sleep, or their knee is limiting their runs, or they have wrist pain when carrying their toddler. At the end of the day, we want to be able to move freely in our bodies with minimal limitations - and that's what I'm here to help with.
What is a typical day at your job?
A typical day involves seeing patients in the office who have orthopedic conditions, dictating notes, signing and sending orders, a few phone calls, and always laughing with my coworkers. On other days I'll be at the hospital in the operating room assisting for those patients who need surgery.
Did you know you always wanted to do this, or when did you know what you wanted to do?
I applied to CLU with the intention of being an athletic trainer. It was in my "Introduction to Exercise Science" course where during an assignment to do a job shadow I learned more about the role of nurse practitioners and my mind was made!
What does it mean to you to be a Regal?
So. Much. Pride. For an amazing community, incredible staff, and wonderful students (both past and present). Go CLU!
