Women's Indoor Track and Field | 12/13/2024 9:55:13 AM
Sydney LaSalle is currently in her junior season as a member of the Nazareth University women's track and field team. She serves as a track and field representative of Nazareth University's Student Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC). LaSalle, who competes in jumps and multi events, earned second team All-Empire 8 honors in high jump during the 2024 outdoor season. In 2023, LaSalle finished fifth in heptathlon at the Empire 8 Outdoor Championships.
A native of Rochester, NY, LaSalle, in addition to being a SAAC representative at Nazareth, has numerous academic awards. She has made the Dean's List in each semester she has been at Nazareth, along with receiving All-Region honors for the 2024 indoor season and Empire 8 President's list honors in the fall of 2022.
Sydney LaSalle - Empire 8 Emerging Leader
Institution: Nazareth University
Sport: Women's Track and Field
SAAC Role: Track and Field Representative
Major: Psychology/Inclusive Childhood Education
GPA: 3.66
Community Service Projects:
I am the President of the Best Buddies Club. In addition, I have worked with Bethany House, a homeless shelter for women and children and Happy Birthday Cha Cha, an organization for inner city children who come from low income families. I have organized several fundraisers over the years to raise money for these organizations ad have worked many hours at each location helping make dinner for residents at Bethany House and package Birthday gift care packages for Happy Birthday Cha Cha Cha.
Who is a Leader Who Has Made an Impact on You and Why?
My two camp counselors when I did ropes course camp were two role models that impacted me a lot. They taught me important skills such as teamwork, collaborating with peers and respecting everyone's ideas, but they also valued who I was as a person. I have a quieter demeanor and they acknowledged that a got to know me even though I was quiet, which was something I'll never forget. They also encouraged me to come out of my shell.
What Type of Leader Are You?
I am the type of leader who is aware of those around me and leads by example. I want to ensure that everyone I am working with or interacting with has an opportunity to use their voice and share their ideas where they will be listened to thoroughly.
What Makes a Great Leader?
Being a great leader is by fostering an accepting environment with unity and teamwork. A leader is someone who does not take over and allows others to have opportunities to carry out their ideas.
What Is a Leader's Best Asset?
A leader's best asset is being an active listener.
What Makes Leadership Difficult?
Leadership can be difficult when you have to make a decision and it is unknown if that decision will be successful or not.
What Does Leadership Look Like in a Team Setting?
Leadership in a team setting is supporting those around you and being a team role model. Being there as a support system for your other teammates and someone they can go to for help or a shoulder to lean on. Modeling good sportsmanship and always cheering on your teammates.
Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On:
I have just completed my first semester of student observations for my education major.
What Do You Aspire to See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years?
I see myself having my own classroom as a teacher.
What Are You Most Looking Forward To This Season, Both Athletically and in SAAC?
I am looking forward to all the new memories that will be made with my team at meets, seeing everyone achieve their goals and continuing to create strong bonds with my teammers. For SAAC, I am looking forward to being more engaged in the different student-athlete perspectives across Nazareth.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time at Nazareth:
Triple jumping at RIT at midnight my freshman year and having all of my teammates there cheering me on!
Favorite thing about the Empire 8:
I love how each week the Empire 8 highlights athletes who had a great performance or achieved a goal through their "Athlete of the Week" posts. It provides a way to highlight the hard work of Empire 8 athletes.
How Has Playing in the Empire 8 Prepared You for Life After College?
Competing in the Empire 8 has strengthened my leadership skills which will prepare me for me career as a teacher. I have gotten to know so many people in my Empire 8 experience and have gained a lot of new perspectives.
Advice to Incoming Student-Athletes or Younger Teammates?
Do not put so much pressure on yourself, have fun! Take advantage of every opportunity, give it your all at every practice, every game/competition, etc. It goes by fast, just enjoy every moment.
E8 Dozen
1. Favorite Professional Athlete: Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone
2. Favorite Professional Team: Boston Red Sox
3. Favorite Movie: Little Women
4. Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Stranger Things
5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Butter Fudge
6. Last Vacation You Went On: United Kingdom
7. Dream Vacation Spot: Travelling all throughout Ireland
8. Favorite Singer/Artist: Taylor Swift or One Direction
9. If You Could Have Any Super Power, What Would It Be?: Invisibility
10. Fun-Fact About You: I am a Ropes Director at a summer camp
11. Favorite Animal: Panda
12. Dream Job: Teacher
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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