Men's Soccer | 11/22/2024 10:30:14 AM
Mason Kievit just wrapped up his senior season as a member of the Russell Sage College men's soccer team. He serves as President of Russell Sage College's Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) and finished the season having appeared in 16 games on defense with one assist and seven shots taken.
A native of LaGrange, NY, Kievit, in addition to being SAAC President at Russell Sage, is a two-time CSC Academic All-District team member, a multiple Empire 8 Presidents' List recipient and has made the Russell Sage College Dean's List multiple times as well.
Mason Kievit - Empire 8 Emerging Leader
Institution: Russell Sage College
Sport: Men's Soccer
SAAC Role: President
Major: Physical Education with a Psychology Minor
GPA: 3.7
Community Service Projects:
Worked with a local soccer club, Spindles United F.C., to teach and coach young soccer players between the ages of 4-6. Teaching these kids was an awesoe opportunity and it was so rewarding watching them smile. I also participated in numerous RSC Athletics community service initiatives, including the Albany Making Strides Walk and Yards for Yeardley.
Who is a Leader Who Has Made an Impact on You and Why?
Our captain in my freshman and sopohomore years, Christian Vaalstuen, has had a massive impact on me. Seeing the way he led us and the way that he went about being a leader was exceptional and allowed me to model myself after him.
What Type of Leader Are You?
I am a leader who wants everyone to have a voice while maintaining the team's positivity and happiness. Fostering competition while also a team mentality is extremely impotant to me as a leader.
What Makes a Great Leader?
Always looking at the positives and even in the lows of the season, finding a way to be positive and still encourage teammates to do their best and keep the vibes high.
What Is a Leader's Best Asset?
Their personality is their best asset. Being able to connect with every member of the team and ensuring that they are confident and comfortable talking to them. Connecting with everyone and knowing about everyone's background and families is very important.
What Makes Leadership Difficult?
Taking into account all of the different people and all of the different places that people come from. Uniting all of these different people inder one set of standards with one goal in mind feels impossible.
What Does Leadership Look Like in a Team Setting?
Leadership in a team setting looks like uniting different people from different areas and backgrounds under one main idea and one goal.
Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On:
I'm student teaching in the spring!!
What Do You Aspire to See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years?
Teaching and coaching soccer!
What Are You Most Looking Forward To This Season, Both Athletically and in SAAC?
Planning and taking part in the events on campus throughout the conference. SAAC in the conference across all the schools has picked up heavily since I was a freshman and continuing to see it grow is so exciting to see.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time at Russell Sage:
The bus rides back from away games with the guys. Our last song, getting to campus, is always 'Someone Like You' by Adele, and screaming that with our guys will always be my favorite memory.
Favorite thing about the Empire 8:
The competitiveness of the conference but also the respect between teams. No matter the score, teams always come together after and shake each others hands.
How Has Playing in the Empire 8 Prepared You for Life After College?
The conference has prepared me for working with people very far apart. It has prepared me for constant competitiveness with respect immediately following.
Advice to Incoming Student-Athletes or Younger Teammates?
Have confidence in yourself, but be willing and eager to learn. Learning from the upperclassmen is huge for the younger guys, especially regarding game maturity and pace.
E8 Dozen
1. Favorite Professional Athlete: Tyler Adams
2. Favorite Professional Team: Stoke City
3. Favorite Movie: Captain America: The Winter Soldier
4. Last TV Show You Binge Watched: How I Met Your Mother
5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Mint Chocolate Chip
6. Last Vacation You Went On: St. Maarten
7. Dream Vacation Spot: Tokyo, Japan
8. Favorite Singer/Artist: J. Cole
9. If You Could Have Any Super Power, What Would It Be?: Instantly healing any injury (I get hurt a lot)
10. Fun-Fact About You: I am good at board games
11. Favorite Animal: Narwhals
12. Dream Job: Teacher/Coach
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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