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
NSIC Female Student-Athlete
Name:
Marisa Toivonen
University: Augustana College
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: Red Wing, Minn.
High School: Red Wing High School
Sport(s): Golf
Major(s): Exercise Science, Pre-Physical Therapy
1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
I started golf in middle school because a lot of my friends played it and I wanted to be around them, and I also didn’t want be on the track team. I had an excellent high school coach who really helped me develop as a player, and a competitive team, which made me fall in love with the sport. It is such a frustrating sport, but it always kept me coming back for more.
2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
Augustana is a great school academically as well as athletically, with a very successful history as a team. The coaches were great, as well as the team, and it was the perfect fit for me.
3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
I have learned so many things from being a student-athlete. I have learned to manage my time, being a student, as well as playing golf six months out of the school year. I also have learned to put forth maximum effort all the time, because that is the only way to move forward and become the best you can.
4. What are your plans following graduation?
I would like to attend Physical Therapy school, and eventually become a Physical Therapist.
5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
It has been a great experience so far. It is a lot of fun because I know many of the girls from high school, so it’s nice to see familiar faces. It is good competition, and a great conference to be a part of.
6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
The Classic at Maddens, in Brainerd MN. Our conference tourney has been there the past two years, and it is a great course to compete on. It is a tough course, but I love the competitive spirit it brings out in all players. You really have to be prepared, and focused to play well there.
7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
Competing in the NCAA DII National Championships last year in Daytona Beach, Fla. It was one of the greatest experiences, making it all the way to nationals, and then getting to play with some of the best in the nation. I am thankful we got the opportunity to play at such a high level, I will never forget the memories made on that trip.
8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My family has influenced me the most in my life because they have taught me to be the best person I can be. They all bring out the intense drive within me, especially my brothers. Having them growing up was great because it made me into such a competitive person, which is crucial for playing sports. My parents were both college athletes, so learning from them, and following their footsteps has been great. They have been with me through everything, helping me every step of the way. I have learned to be a competitive, hard working student athlete, and can thank them for the person I am today.
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 would like to thank my teammates, and my coaches especially. I can see how much they put into the program to make it successful, and it really helps. They have created such an awesome team dynamic, it makes the experience for us all so great.
NSIC Male Student-Athlete
Name:
Damarius Cruz
University: St. Cloud State University
Year: Senior
Hometown: Plymouth, Minn.
High School: Armstrong High School
Sport(s): Basketball
Major(s): Recreation and Sports Management
1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
I first got involved in basketball when I was about two years old. My parents put a hoop in my room for me to play in the house. As I grew older, my dad got me involved by playing for various youth teams.
2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
Growing up around basketball and watching basketball my whole life, I always knew that I wanted to grow up and play college basketball. I was recruited by St. Cloud State out of high school, but I wasn’t their top recruit at the time. So I decided to go with the school that offered me my first scholarship which was Minnesota Crookston. It didn’t go to smoothly out there so I decided to transfer to St. Cloud State after them still having interest me.
3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
Time management has been the biggest thing I have learned by being a student athlete. Learning how to plan your schedule out and keeping things on track so you graduate on time is a huge thing. Being a student athlete, you’re nonstop busy at all times. So knowing your schedule and planning accordingly has really helped me through my college career.
4. What are your plans following graduation?
My plans after graduation are going to be to try and extend my basketball career by playing professionally overseas.
5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
Competing within our conference is an all around great experience. The atmosphere is great, the competition is some of the best competition within division 2 basketball, and the support we get from our fan base is great too. Playing within this conference is a grind every time you step foot on the court. Teams are going to play you tough every night, so you have to be ready.
6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
Personally my favorite place to play would be Augustana and Mankato. These two places are my favorite because they have great fans that support their team at every single one of their home games and the fans really make the college atmosphere that much better.
7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
My favorite memory of my college career would be traveling down to Florida last year to play against two tough teams in two tough games. Our first game down in Florida we won on a half court buzzard beater, from a game that saw a total of 7 points in less than 5 seconds.
8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My parents have been the ones to have the most influence in my life. Words can’t explain how much I appreciate them every day for supporting me throughout my life and my college career. They have been there for me through everything and have really had a positive influence on me within my life.
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.
One thing people don’t know about me is that I grew up living in Germany for eight years. Both of my parents were in the Army so I have traveled to many different places in the world.
Past Thursday Focus
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11/14/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 8 |
Mary Mikutowski, UMC
Peter Crawford, UMD |
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11/7/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 7 |
Maddy Siroin, UMD
Jack Derham, SMSU |
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10/31/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 6 |
Ryan Gerts, WSU
Kaitlyn Emanual, UIU |
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10/24/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 5 |
Kara Dahmen, SCSU
Alex Brown, UMD |
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10/17/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 4 |
Buckley Wright, BSU
McKenzie Smith, MSUM |
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10/10/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 3 |
Maggie Leland, Augie
Cole Jaeschke, UIU |
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10/3/2013 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 2 |
Tyler Tonderum, SMSU
Kayla Konecke, CU |
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9/25/2013 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 1 |
Billy Brockmuller, USF
Jennifer Smith, UMD |
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
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