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: Ryan Gerts
University: Winona State
Year: Junior
Hometown: Bloomingdale, IL
High School: Lake Park High School
Sport(s): Football
Major(s): Cell and Molecular Biology


1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
My big brother Mike wanted to go sign up for pee-wee football when I was in 2nd grade and I just tagged along. I have been playing ever since.

2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
After taking a few official visits I truly felt like Winona State was the perfect fit for me. And I still do to this day. Coach Sawyer has built a great winning tradition here filled great coaches and players and that was something I wanted to be a part of.

3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
I have learned how to sacrifice and do what you need to do to be successful, not just what you want to do. Also, I feel like my leadership qualities have grown tremendously while being a student-athlete.

4. What are your plans following graduation?
I plan on attending dental school.

5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
To play in the NSIC you need to kind of have a short memory. Whether you won or lost the week before, your focus needs to be on your next opponent and only that opponent because every game is competitive. No team can be overlooked.

6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
I would have to say Mankato. The playing surface is second to none and the atmosphere on game day is incredible.

7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
My favorite memory is when we represented the NSIC in the Mineral Water Bowl last December. It was a great opportunity to play a 12th game with a special group of guys and something I will remember and cherish for the rest of my life.

8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My parents have been there every step of the way. They support me in all I do and have managed to make it to every football game in my entire career. I am truly blessed to have them there for me every Saturday.

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 also played baseball from 4th grade until my junior year in high school, at which point I decided to focus primarily on earning a college football scholarship.
 
NSIC Female Student-Athlete

Name: Kaitlyn Emanuel
University: Upper Iowa University
Year: Junior
Hometown: Byron, MN
High School: Byron High School
Sport(s): Soccer
Major(s): Athletic Training


1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
I have basically been playing soccer ever since I could tie my shoes. I tried every sport when I was younger, and soccer was the sport I fell in love with!

2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
I loved the family atmosphere and welcoming environment, which both make it feel like a home away from home. I wasn’t ready to give up playing and was recruited to play soccer! And, it’s always a Great day to be a Peacock!

3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
I have definitely learned how to manage my time between academics, sports, and other extracurricular, and I think that will be important in my future.

4. What are your plans following graduation?
I would like to attend P.T. school and ultimately someday become a pediatric physical therapist.

5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
It is so exciting because every game is a new challenge. We have a very talented conference all around, so you have to always show up ready to play at your best.

6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
I would say my favorite place to travel is Duluth. The area around is so pretty and it always makes for a great day to compete!

7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
So far, it was definitely knocking off the #1 seed (Winona State) in the NSIC Tournament, my freshman year, to move on to the semifinals.

8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My parents have influenced me most because they are both extremely hard working and successful individuals. I try to follow in their footsteps every day.

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 used to ride sheep when I was younger at the local bull riding competitions. :)
 

Past Thursday Focus

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

#NSIC#