Student athletes at every institution have a fast-paced, challenging experience, and AQ athletes are no exception. Being involved with the athletic program on a collegiate level can be physically, mentally and emotionally tiring, but balancing it alongside a full-load of classes, all while collecting professional job experiences, can be challenging at best. 

Six student athletes who have excelled in their sports, and in their classes, have offered some tips and tricks to incoming students about how to excel in their sport, without losing sight of the real prize: graduating. 

Ryan Schall '17

Ryan Schall recently completed his third year on the AQ Men’s Basketball team. His current plans involve returning for his senior year to finish a dual major in business administration and accounting. Schall is also considering adding a major in finance.

Ryan has been playing sports his whole life. “I’ve always played basketball, and in high school, I finished my senior year as the runner up at state for tennis, and as all-area in baseball." However, academic success was always a priority despite such a busy sports schedule. “All credit for my success goes to my parents and grandparents who helped me learn the value of education, and how to really apply myself. I wouldn’t have been able to balance all of it without them. The best advice I can give to incoming student athletes would be avoid procrastination as much as possible," said Schall.

Marisa Ingersoll '16

Marissa Ingersoll just completed her undergraduate biology program and in doing so, also put an end to her four years on Aquinas’ track team. Next, she will attend Grand Valley State University's physician assistant program. Ingersoll has been competing in competitions since she was a kid. She shared that her intrinsic focus and drive developed in athletics, paired with a high grade point average, strengthened her PA applications.

Though Ingersoll was a three-sport athlete in high school and valedictorian her senior year, freshman year of college was a different experience. “I had to learn new study habits and re-organize my life. It wasn’t just enough to have decent time-management skills, I had to put effort and intention into every single thing I was doing,” she said.

“The best advice I can offer is to ask questions, professors can be flexible, the coaches will understand, and there will almost always be someone who can offer guidance and help!”

Lindsay Armstrong '16

Double math and chemistry major Lindsay Armstrong graduated in May, marking the end to her undergraduate career. Balancing two intensive academic majors with soccer, Armstrong said, “My parents instilled in me from a young age that school always came first, and no matter how much I loved it, soccer second, so I really just carried that belief with me into college.” 

It was a game of priorities for Armstrong, but she said “she never felt like she was really missing out, because if there was something I really wanted to do I just planned for it.” Even though there was less spontaneity in her schedule, sometimes meaning a Friday night was spent studying instead of hanging with friends, Armstrong said it was a sacrifice she was comfortable with. Her plans post-graduation include pursuing a lab technician position that would utilize her chemistry degree within an up-and-coming industry. 

Casey Wila '16

Casey Wila, dual business administration and communications major, has played baseball since he was a child. In high school, he also played football and basketball, and quickly learned the value of putting forth the best possible effort wherever he was, whether it be the diamond, field, court or classroom. Wila’s parents encouraged him to prioritize academics, but because of his competitive nature, he didn’t require much incentive.

“If I’m going to do something, I always view it as a challenge to ensure I’m as competitive as I can be, so I’ll do my best. I’ve always been someone who does better when they’re busy. Being a multi-sport athlete really is what made me get my homework done in an efficient manner. Overall, the best advice I can give is to anyone else on the topic is just to trust yourself and your instincts” said Wila. "You know yourself best, and ultimately, academic success is a choice it’s entirely up to you to make!"

Sierra VanTil '16

Sierra VanTil is an elementary education major, with a focus in learning disabilities and a four-year volleyball player. VanTil plans to student teach at Cedar Springs in Coopersville in the fall. She attributes her academic and athletic success to her Type A personality. “I never give less than my best, and that’s honestly the main reason I’ve done so well. Well, that and strong time management skills!” said VanTil.

“The best advice I could give is just to use your resources and know yourself. Know yourself well enough to know what you need and how you learn.” This, along with (mandatory and voluntary) team study groups, helped VanTil stay on track with her program as she sought academic excellence semester to semester. “The best advice I can give to incoming student athletes is to set high standards for yourself. My parents expected it of me, but it means so much more when you want the best for yourself too!” said VanTil.

Kristoff Saari '16

Kristoff Saari, a dual major in business and sports management with a talent for tennis, played on traveling and high school tennis teams for all of his teen years. “The experience gave me a good edge and sense of competition for college,” said Saari. The competitive side of his personality ended up serving him well. “It, along with my parents’ support, is what emphasized the importance of academics to me.”

High school sports also helped establish the necessity of a routine, “which is actually a large part of what ended up helping me learn how to manage my time and balance all of my commitments” said Saari. The best advice Saari has to offer incoming student athletes is to “Never lose sight of what’s truly important. The successes and failures of your sport don’t need to carry over to the rest of your life.”