Zentz trades volleyball for business—and finds her place in Butte

When Roslyn Zentz first came to Montana Technological University from Eatonville, Washington, she imagined her college experience would revolve around volleyball. Instead, she found a community that helped her grow, on and off the court.

“I came to Montana Tech as a volleyball player,” Zentz said. “I took business classes in high school and really liked them—they were the classes I enjoyed the most. After my freshman year, I stopped playing volleyball, but I loved our community and how well our professors know us. You’re really part of a family here.”

That sense of belonging encouraged Zentz to stay in Butte even after leaving athletics. Over her four years at Tech, she has worked nearly full time while earning her business degree—starting as a barista at She Brews Coffee before taking on a management role at 5518 Designs in Uptown Butte.

As operations manager, Zentz oversaw scheduling, inventory, shipping, and wholesale accounts.

“I just oversee the day-to-day operations and make sure things are flowing smoothly,” she said. “I’ve always liked being busy and working with people.”

Her professors, she said, helped her balance academics and work.

“A lot of my classes have been flexible, which made it easy to apply what I was learning in the classroom to my job,” Zentz said. “Our professors are so willing to help. They want you to succeed.”

Zentz is currently looking for her next opportunity—ideally something in management that allows her to make a difference.

“I think I’d like something that gives back, so you feel like you’re having an impact in the community,” she said.

Zentz credits the tight-knit Butte community for helping her stay motivated.

“Everyone in town cares about Montana Tech,” she said. “You’ll see your professors at football games or in Safeway, and everyone’s cheering for the Orediggers. It’s fun because you just know them, and they know you.”

Her favorite experience at Montana Tech was the business capstone course, where seniors work in teams to run simulated companies.

“It’s really fun because you’re working hard alongside the same people you’ve known for four years,” she said. “It’s a good challenge and very rewarding.”

Zentz said her fiancé, Lucas—an environmental engineering student she met at Tech—has been her biggest supporter.

“We’ve stuck together since freshman year,” she said. “It’s crazy to look back and realize we’ve grown into the people we used to look up to.”

As graduation approaches, Zentz said she feels ready for what’s next. “I’m excited to find something that’s my thing—the way I can make a difference,” she said. “I feel prepared and ready to go into the workforce.”

Her advice to new students is simple: trust your instincts.

“Follow where you want to go,” she said. “There will be a lot of things thrown your direction, but life is easier when you’re doing what you love.”