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:
Maddy Siroin
School: University of Minnesota Duluth
Year: Junior
Hometown: Herbster, Wis.
High School: Washburn HS
Sport(s): Volleyball
Major(s): Unified Early Childhood Education
1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
It started when I was about four years old. I remember watching these older girls playing and offered to include me. They made volleyball such a positive experience that I fell in love with the game. That love stuck with me throughout elementary school when I was the water girl for the varsity team. Not only did a take a few hard spikes to the head, I saw firsthand how much work and effort it takes to be a successful team. Those teams inspired me not only as an athlete, but as a person as well. They showed me how to be a nice person on and off the court and that you really can make a difference. I just hope that I gave that same experience to someone else.
2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
I had some struggles finding a university where all aspects in life fit my personality. I tried Minnesota State Mankato and Winona State University, but the fit wasn’t there. I can’t say I regret transferring to those schools because I had the opportunity to meet some great people and it led me to University of Minnesota Duluth. This is the best decision I have made because I finally found a home and a family.
3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
Being a student-athlete teaches you life lessons. You learn how to deal with rejection, learn from mistakes, and also, how to win. You learn how to manage your time, become more organized, and how to interact with people in a professional manner. I have learned how to deal with a “boss” and perform to expectations.
4. What are your plans following graduation?
My plans following graduation are to find a teaching job, preferably kindergarten through second grade, and I don’t know where yet. Since I have lived in Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota for my whole life, I am willing to try those Southern winters where snow is just a myth. In all actuality, as long as I have good people surrounding me and a positive attitude I am happy wherever I end up.
5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
Competing in the NSIC is like having a huge fight with your best friend. The competition is amazing because there are so many tough teams, but you love that tough competition because that’s why we are here, to play the best of the best.
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 in the NSIC would have to be Winona State. The bluffs with the leaves changing just takes my breath away and then there is the Mississippi River. Not only is the area beautiful, but it is a good weekend of competition.
7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
This is a tough question because every single day I have a new memory that I never want to forget. My favorite memories are actually off the court. For me it’s about the little things such as playing games on bus rides or having a big dance party in the locker room. Although, it is pretty funny when we play games in the gym and the little defensive specialists block the big hitters.
8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
Even though this is a really tough question, I would have to say my mother has influenced me the most in my life. First of all, she has known me the longest and I don’t know what I would do without her. She is so supportive, helps me with problems that arise, and keeps everything positive. She will put everyone before herself and do anything to help someone in need. I think she is such an amazing woman and I hope that I can be one tenth of what she is.
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 have a wonderful family both on and off the court and I couldn’t ask for anything else. I am proud to be a Bulldog and I love my team!
NSIC Male Student-Athlete
Name:
Jack Derham
University: Southwest Minnesota State University
Year: Sophomore
Hometown: York, England
High School: Brayton High School
Sport(s): Cross Country/Track + Field
Major(s): P.E Teaching
1. Tell us how you first got involved in your sport?
I was 12 years old and i used to play soccer for a club team. One of the other player’s parents was a track coach and was impressed with my level of endurance and speed. So he suggested i try out track and field. Ever since then, running has been a huge part of my life.
2. How did you end up deciding to attend your university and participate in athletics?
Coach Nate Wolf was the deciding factor for me. I did my homework on him and the athletes he had produced and he really is a man who knows how to produce the best results out of a student-athlete not only on the track but also in the classroom.
3. What have you learned from being a student-athlete?
It’s made me appreciate the hard work that every student-athlete has. Balancing your academics with your sport in college isn’t easy and it requires a lot of time management.
4. What are your plans following graduation?
Look to pursue a Masters Degree
5. What is it like competing in the NSIC?
To me, The NSIC is one of the best NCAA D2 conference’s in the nation. When competing at a meet, you never know what the outcome is going to be. Of course you have the favorites on paper. But, when push comes to shove, anybody could win the race on the day.
6. Where is your favorite place to travel/play in the NSIC? (Besides your home arena) What makes it your favorite?
Minnesota State Mankato. The facilities there are fantastic and the reception from their students and supporters is always a welcoming one.
7. What is your favorite memory so far in your collegiate career?
My favorite memory would probably running The Augustana Twilight meet this year. The atmosphere was incredible, the conditions were perfect and because the entire team ran great, it brought us closer together.
8. Who has influenced you most in your life and how?
My parents have definitely been the biggest influence in my life. They’ve supported everything i’ve done from when i was playing soccer to when i made the decision to hang up my cleats and take cross country and track + field seriously. They dedicated and sacrificed a lot of their time for me and i remind myself every day how lucky i am.
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’ve appeared in two televised England National Championship Finals in 2009 and 2010 for track and field.
Past Thursday Focus
|
10/31/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 6 |
Ryan Gerts, WSU
Kaitlyn Emanual, UIU |
|
10/24/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 5 |
Kara Dahmen, SCSU
Alex Brown, UMD |
|
10/17/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 4 |
Buckley Wright, BSU
McKenzie Smith, MSUM |
|
10/10/13 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 3 |
Maggie Leland, Augie
Cole Jaeschke, UIU |
|
10/3/2013 |
2013-14 NSIC Student-Athlete Thursday Focus No. 2 |
Tyler Tonderum, SMSU
Kayla Konecke, CU |
|
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
#NSIC#