The NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus is a weekly update on a male and female student-athlete from around the NSIC.
Are you a NSIC Student-Athlete that wants to be featured on the NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus: Fill out the NSIC Student-Athlete Questionnaire
Name:
Kara Dahmen
School: St. Cloud State University
Year: Senior
Hometown: Waunakee, Wisconsin
High School: Waunakee High School
Sport(s): Women’s Soccer
Major(s): Community Health with a minor in Human Relations
1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
I first got involved with soccer when I was 4 years old. My parents let my siblings and I be involved in every sport possible and soccer has stuck with me ever since. I’ve never been very coordinated with my hands so I thought it would be best for me to stick to soccer.
2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
I chose St. Cloud State because of the strong balance between academics and athletics. Both the students and faculty understand what it takes to be a student athlete. They are very helpful and encouraging through the whole process. Also, I chose St. Cloud State because it was a new adventure. The campus was the right size and the right fit just for me. I chose to participate in soccer because I knew I couldn’t go without it. It’s been a huge part of my life and I knew I’d fit in well here at St. Cloud State
3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
I learned that being a student athlete is a privilege. Not everyone has the same opportunity to participate and compete in the sport they love while getting an education.
4. What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation I plan to move back home to Madison, Wisconsin where I hope to find a job in the health field. I hope to travel around the United States a bit more as well as coach munchkins soccer.
5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
Competing in the NSIC is always a tough. Anyone can win at any point and it just goes to show that you have to be your best at all times . The NSIC is one of the best conferences in the nation and its an honor to play in it.
6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
My favorite place to travel would be to Minnesota Duluth. I love their field and they always give us a hard fought battle. Not only that but the whole town of Duluth is beautiful during the fall.
7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
My favorite memory would be going on a 9-0 run sophomore year and making it to the conference championship game, which was the first time in school history that it had ever been done.
8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My family has influenced me the most in my life. They have been my supporters and biggest fans throughout my whole soccer career. They have always told me to do the best I can and to never give up. I couldn’t have asked for a better family.
Any additional information you would like to add, unique stories or situations, etc. Something people don’t know about you that you would like to share.
Overall, I love being here at St. Cloud State and I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. GO HUSKIES
NSIC Male Student-Athlete
Name:
Alex Brown
School: University of Minnesota Duluth
Year: Senior
Hometown: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
High School: Elkhart Lake-Glenbeulah
Sport(s): Football
Major(s): Management Information Systems
1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
I have always loved watching football as a kid. I would play tackle among all the neighborhood kids wearing our favorite NFL player’s jerseys. I started playing for my middle school in 6th grade. Because I went to such a small school, my grade had about 43 students, half being male. Since we were so small almost all the boys had to play.
2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
I ended up choosing UMD because of the campus environment. Also, the coaching staff and the players I got to meet were personal and made me feel welcomed even before I chose which school I was going to attend. I joke that the reason I came to UMD was every building is connected, so in reality I never have to go outside during the winters (but it is nice to have).
3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
Being a student athlete I have learned the importance of balance. It can be challenging at times participating in a sport and going to class and giving one hundred percent. I have managed my time better throughout college and how I can be the most productive. Also, it has giving me the confidence later in life to never quit and stay positive.
4. What are your plans following graduation?
My plans after I graduate this coming fall is to work for a software developing company in the twin cities that help companies better maintain their employees through scheduling. Most likely I will help manage and lead team projects that are brought to the company’s attention. I will be working in teams most likely, which should be nothing new for me.
5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
Competing in the NSIC was exciting, always having teams that will put their best foot forward and challenge us. I think the NSIC has great schools that provide great competition. We have made a statement and reputation as a whole that the NSIC has some quality teams and it shows in the playoffs and national rankings.
6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
My favorite place to travel within the NSIC is Winona State. Though small, they pack the stadium all the way around. Their student section is right on top of the end zone and they are always rowdy. I thought it was cool when the train goes by the stadium and rocks the place.
7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
My favorite memory was winning the national championship game in 2010. Although I did not play, it was still very exciting to be a part of the team during this time. The hard work and dedication that went into that season is something I will never forget. It is a memory that we will all reflect on our entire lives. It was the perfect season, going 15-0. Not many are able to have that amazing experience.
8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My parents most influenced me because they set expectations for me starting when I was younger and I tried to exceed those only making me better as a person.
Any additional information you would like to add, unique stories or situations, etc. Something people don’t know about you that you would like to share.
I am classified as hard of hearing. I was born with auditory nerve damage making it hard to hear certain frequencies and in crowded places. I have learned to always work harder than my peers at a young age because I didn’t want help from hearing devices; I didn’t want to be different.