Empire 8 Gives Back: DJ Harter, Utica College

Men's Basketball | 12/17/2021 9:57:57 AM

DJ Harter is in his third season as a member of the Utica College men's basketball team. He has appeared in 20 career contests and was a member of the Pioneers team that won their first Empire 8 Championship this past spring. Utica is 33-11 in Harter's three seasons as a member of the basketball team.

A native of Holland Patent, NY, Harter also serves as Utica' s Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President and is a physics major. He carries a 3.5 grade-point average.
Institution: Utica College
 
Sport/Position: Basketball/Guard

Academic Major: Physics
                                   
GPA: 3.5

Class Year: Junior

Academic Honors/Clubs:

• Utica College SAAC Club President
• Society of Physics Students
• Utica College NESPP Scholarship Recipient and Cohort Member

Community Service Roles:
Utica College SAAC is an active participant in community service. We have volunteered and donated to a number of different organizations. Some include but are not limited to, The Samaritan Counseling Center, Evelyn’s House, Breast Cancer Research, and other local organizations.
 
Why did you join SAAC? What’s was your goal when joining?
I joined SAAC because I have always had a passion for helping others, and taking on leadership roles to create change. My goal was to bring my ideas and passion to the group to help advocate and create change within our institution. SAAC is an amazing opportunity to represent a larger body of people within our institution, be a voice for change within our institution and the NCAA, and be an active member of the Utica Community that supports our student athletes every time we step on the field, turf, court, pool, or ice.

What projects are you currently working on in your campus community?
At the moment we are not working on an active project because the semester is quickly wrapping up. Something that we are looking towards for the spring is increasing awareness of mental health issues for athletes, and students. In addition, we are continuing to be a support system for student athletes, especially our men’s lacrosse team who has recently been mourning the loss of their head coach Mike Parnell.

What’s the biggest challenge you are facing with these projects? COVID restrictions, only virtual, fundraising, etc.?
The biggest issue we are facing with these projects is funding and resources. Utica College does a fantastic job providing a number of different resources to all students. One thing we hope to eventually pursue is the hiring of a Sports Psychology Professional that would be available to not only athletes, but all students.

How do you stay connected with your college community under COVID guidelines?
I stay connected with my college community through these guidelines by attending as many events as possible. Many traditions at Utica College have been changed or modified due to the COVID restrictions. One thing that has returned to normalcy is sporting events. I am still able to attend as many sporting events as possible, support my fellow students athletes, and interact with them in a way that allows me to address any problems/concerns they may have.

What is Your Proudest Community Service Achievement?
I wouldn’t say it was completely my responsibility, it was 100% a group achievement, but SAAC sold pink t-shirts to all sports teams this fall to support Breast Cancer Awareness Month. We raised over $900, which blew my expectations out of the water.

What Role has Basketball Played in your Personal Development?
As corny as it sounds, sports has taught me that there is no “I” in “Team”. Basketball has taught me that every member of the team has a role, and each role is pivotal to the team's success. Sometimes the role is hard to accept, but that is what needs to be done for the team to win. At the same time it has taught me that nothing is just handed to you, and if you want to change your current role on a team, you’re going to have to work for it. There are going to be obstacles blocking you from your goals. Are you going to run through them or let them stop you?
 
Why Did You Decide to Attend Utica?
I chose to attend Utica College because of the family atmosphere that I experienced from the moment I stepped on campus. Utica College was the best place to be successful and help me achieve my goals. Everyone from the President, to the maintenance staff wants every student to feel safe and to accomplish every goal they have set. The support system here is like no other.

How has Playing Collegiately and in the Empire 8 Prepared You For Life After College?
I have developed a number of important skills that will benefit me in my life after college by playing in the Empire 8 and for Utica College. In my time here, I have enhanced my skills of time management, hard work, organization, and personability. I have also learned to be professional with other student-athletes across the conference even after competing against them in a game.

Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
Winning the Empire 8 championship last spring. But not only winning, but winning with my guys. The group of individuals we had in 2021 experienced a lot of different obstacles through the pandemic and the season. To see us create a bond that is stronger than any team I’ve ever been on, and then piece everything together to accomplish our biggest goal ever. That was an unreal experience.

What is Your Ultimate Professional Goal (Where Do You See Yourself in the Future)?
My ultimate professional goal is that I want to coach. Whether that is high school, junior college, or a four-year institution, coaching is something that I am passionate about. I want to give back to the next generation, and share with them all the knowledge and lessons I’ve learned over the years. Not only so they can be successful on the court, but successful in life as well.
 
Favorite Professional Athlete/Pro Team: Kobe Bryant / Los Angeles Lakers
Favorite Movie: Top Gun
Favorite TV Show: The Ranch
Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Power
Favorite Food: Pancakes
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
 
One Thing Most People Do Not Know About You:
I come from an athletic family. Both of my parents, all of my siblings, cousins and I had the opportunity to play a collegiate sport. My grandfather is also one of the founders and top finishers of the Utica Boilermaker Road Race
 
Advice to Younger Student-Athletes on Why You Chose to Play a Collegiate Sport and Why Playing A Sport and Getting Involved With SAAC is So Important/Beneficial?
My advice would be that there is a life after sports. For most of us, sports won’t last forever. So that is all the more reason to play a collegiate sport if you get the chance. The skills, experiences, and friendships that you make while playing sports is worth a lifetime. At the same time, playing a collegiate sport and getting involved in SAAC could open doors to new opportunities. If you have the chance to play, I wouldn’t pass it up.

The Empire 8 Conference's “Empire 8 Gives Back” Series features a student-athlete from one of its member institutions who promotes community service and serves in a leadership role within his or her athletics teams or SAAC.

ABOUT THE EMPIRE 8 CONFERENCE
The members of the Empire 8 Conference are committed first and foremost to the pursuit of academic excellence and the league is regarded as an outstanding NCAA Division III conference. The membership has distinguished itself among its peer group for its quality institutions, spirited and sportsmanlike competition, outstanding services and highly ethical policies and practices. Its commitment to serve the educational needs of its student-athletes is the hallmark of the E8. For more on the Empire 8 visit www.empire8.com.
 
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