MIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight - 1/31/2012
1/31/2012
The MIAC Student-Athlete Spotlight is a feature highlighting student-athletes each Tuesday and Thursday. Today's spotlight is on Erin Sand of the College of Saint Benedict and Erica Roelofs of Gustavus Adolphus College. If you would like to be featured in the Student-Athlete Spotlight contact narians@miac-online.org.
Erin Sand, College of Saint Benedict
Junior, Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field
New Prague, Minn./New Prague
Major: Nutrition, Pre PT
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III student-athlete because I wasn't quite ready to stop competing. I love to race!
What do you like most about competing in the MIAC?
The MIAC is an incredibly talented conference. The competition is fierce; there is always someone pushing you to do better.
What has been the greatest part of your collegiate athletic career thus far?
Overall, forming friendships with all the amazing women on the track team. Race wise, being a part of the 4 x 4 team and shattering our school record.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
I have learned valuable lessons regarding time management. However, the greatest lesson I have learned is to value teamwork. Everything in life is so much easier when you have support from the people around you.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
I am surrounded by many people (family, friends, coaches) who motivate me and believe in me. I couldn't pick just one.
Erica Roelofs, Gustavus Adolphus College
Senior, Track & Field, Cross Country
Vernon Center, Minn./LCWM High School
Major: Health and Exercise Science
Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to participate in Division III athletics because I also wanted to be able to focus on academics and volunteering in the community.
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
You need to have fun while you are competing because you can't be successful if you aren't happy.
How do you hope your combined academic and athletic college experience will help you as you pursue future endeavors?
I know my experience at Gustavus will help me in anything I choose to do in my future. My professors and coaches have all been amazing in preparing me for future endeavors and have really helped me become a well-rounded person.
Who has been the most influential person in your athletic career?
Recently the most influential person has been Janey Helland, a multi athlete who graduated in 2011. We became great friends through practicing every day together for the Pentathlon and Heptathlon. She is such an inspiring person who is always striving to be better, but she also supports and encourages every teammate. I'm really fortunate that I got to spend so much time with her and learn from her.
If you have been involved in community service projects, which project has been the most rewarding and why?
Through Gustavus, I am involved in Habitat for Humanity where I have been able to travel on spring break work trips to help build houses. These trips are such life changing experiences because I get to use my hands to build something so tangible and significant for a family who is really in need. I love hearing the story of each family and getting to know the members of the family because they are so unique and appreciate all the work our group does.
Photos courtesy of Saint Benedict and Gustavus Sports Information offices.
