General | 9/20/2024 9:59:21 AM
Mary Cotter is set to begin her third season as a member of the Keuka College women's basketball team in 2024-25 and is also Keuka's Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) Social Media/Promotion Chair.
A native of Hershey, PA, Cotter, is an E8 President's List recipient as well as Morgan's Message President on Keuka's campus. The Wolves guard was the second highest scorer on the team in 2023-24, averaging 10.3 points per game to go along with 3.6 rebounds per contest. She currently holds a 3.7 grade-point average as an adolescent math education major.
Mary Cotter - Empire 8 Emerging Leader
Institution: Keuka College
Sport: Women's Basketball
SAAC Role: Social Media/Promotions Chair
Major: Adolescent Math Education
GPA: 3.7
Community Service Projects:
Bringing Morgan's Message to Keuka College was a great way of connecting our student-atheletes even more. Morgan's Message's purpose is to end the stigma surrounding the mental health of student-athletes. We hold dedication games to highlight the fact that mental health needs to be talked about. We show athletes that they are seen, have allies on campus and are not alone in their battles.
Who is a Leader Who Has Made an Impact on You and Why?
My high school coaches! They paved the way for me to grow into my leadership role by setting great examples. I could trust them and knew that they were pushing me to be my best every day. It was a great feeling to experience, which is why I want to be that person for someone else.
What Type of Leader Are You?
My largest focus when being a leader is making sure everyone feels welcome, included and important. I lead vocally by reassuring my teammates that they are a crucial part of the team and by pushing them to work hard and be committed to all aspects of their life.
What Makes a Great Leader?
Being a great leader means leading by example, pushing others around you to strive for greatness and communicating effectively. To be a great leader, your communication must be clear, honest and constant.
What Is a Leader's Best Asset?
The people are them holding them accountable. Yes, leaders are important, but it's the teammates that help them grow into the leaders that they are meant to become.
What Makes Leadership Difficult?
Accepting that as leaders, we make mistakes too. Having a leadership role comes with a lot of responsibilty, which can allow us to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. Accepting that mistakes do happen is as important as taking accountability and learning from our mistakes. It's when we learn from our mistakes, we grow as a leader and as an indidvidual.
What Does Leadership Look Like in a Team Setting?
Making sure everyone feels involved. As a leader, I make sure that everyone is keeping busy and experiencing things around campus. Whether that's asking them to come with me to watch other sports teams on campus, grabbing lunch, or even just a quick text to see how their day is going. Involvement is so important, espcially at the division III level.
Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On:
I worked with adults and college students with different abilities, helping them develop life skills. We practiced these skills. We practiced these skills in real-life settings by visiting various places around town.
What Do You Aspire to See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years?
Teaching math in Europe and getting to travel the world!
What Are You Most Looking Forward To This Season, Both Athletically and in SAAC?
I have been so lucky to be on a team full of girls that I genuinely love. Just the idea of being able to be around them and make even more memories makes me so excited!
For SAAC, it is my first year running the social media pages for Keuka SAAC! I am super excited to get athletes input of what they want to see on the social media, and have it be another voice for us student-athletes.
Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:
Playing Colgate. Although it wasn't a very close game, it did allow our team to tighten our bond even more. It was a great experience allowing us to have fun, have a few laughs and play the game we love in a Division I gym!
Favorite thing about the Empire 8:
The bonds I have created with other players on other teams, Being from Hershey, PA, I did not know a single person coming to college. It is amazing to me how many people I have met and connected with over the past two years just simply because we share the same experiences, even if we go to different schools!
How Has Playing in the Empire 8 Prepared You for Life After College?
Knowing that I can make an impact on the people around me. Playing in the Empire 8 has caused me to push myseld to do all I can to leave a mark on my campus. This mindset has allowed me to know that after college, I can whatever I put my mind to.
Advice to Incoming Student-Athletes or Younger Teammates?
It's important to acknowledge the many people who work hard to support student-athletes. Teammates, coaches, athletic trainers, athletic staff, students and professors are just a few, Thank them, ask them questions and create relationships with them. My positive college experience would be nothing without these people!
E8 Dozen
1. Favorite Professional Athlete: Caitlin Clark
2. Favorite Professional Team: New York Knicks
3. Favorite Movie: Harry Potter
4. Last TV Show You Binge Watched: Love Island USA
5. Favorite Ice Cream Flavor: Chocolate Peanut Butter
6. Last Vacation You Went On: Amsterdam
7. Dream Vacation Spot: Greece
8. Favorite Singer/Artist: The Kid Laroi
9. If You Could Have Any Super Power, What Would It Be?: To Fly
10. Fun-Fact About You: My first and last name rhyme with my favorite movie
11. Favorite Animal: Goat
12. Dream Job: Coaching a professional basketball team
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.
EMPIRE 8 SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube – Facebook – Twitter – Instagram