Student-athlete Q&A with Olivia Paione and Jannick Haas
Olivia Paione, Class of 2019
Women’s Swimming and Diving
What does it mean to be a student-athlete at Springfield College?
In general, it is a great privilege, but being a student-athlete at Springfield College is an honor in itself. We are a sports-orientated school and I am lucky to have received not only a great education, but also the opportunity to wear THE jersey. I have made life-long friends and memories thanks to Springfield College.
What is your most memorable experience as a student-athlete?
That would be competing in a sport I love at a collegiate level while getting my bachelor’s degree. It was not easy, but certainly worth it. It is really special how my professors over the past four years have shown how they care about my success, not only in the classroom, but in the pool.
Share how special your winter training trip is and what it means for your program to be able to have that opportunity.
Our winter training trip is an important part of our season and we are blessed with the opportunity to go. It is a week to get out of the cold, focus on just swimming, experience team-bonding, along with a lot of hard work and fun. This training trip is where the team turns into family.
How has being a student-athlete at Springfield College made an impact on you as a person?
It has made a huge impact on my life that I never would have imagined. It has taught me many life lessons that have helped me grow to become a better teammate, classmate, and person. I have created some of the best memories with my coaches and teammates that I will be able to cherish forever. The swimming and diving program is where I found my lifetime best friends.
Describe how you've grown as a leader and how that's helped you develop in your time at Springfield College.
I have grown as a leader over the past years by watching previous strong leaders on the team. When you have great role models and strong leaders it makes it easier to follow in their footsteps and want to be as good of a leader as they were. I learned that having a strong work ethic in the classroom and the pool pays off and people will look up to you naturally.
Jannik Haas, Class of 2019
Men’s Gymnastics
What is your most impactful experience as a student-athlete?
That would be teaming up with Team IMPACT to draft Zachary onto our team. Having Zach and his family on our team and seeing his face light up every time he comes into the gym, or is on the sidelines supporting us, is priceless and truly special. Seeing him fight through adversities time and time again truly humbles us and makes us work that much harder so that he can see us succeed, for him.
How has your involvement in Team IMPACT enhanced your growth at Springfield College?
My involvement has allowed me to serve for a greater purpose within my sport and school. Sharing my love for gymnastics with Zach and his family and seeing him develop the same love has been extremely humbling and rewarding for the entire team. I have learned to appreciate everything that I have and to give back as much as I can to those who are not as fortunate.
Your involvement with the Student Athlete Leadership Team (S.A.L.T.) has led to many initiatives to better our community. Talk about the importance of being involved in S.A.L.T. and how that's helped shape you.
Through S.A.L.T. I have been able to participate in and organize various campus and community events ranging from special events to honor our athletes to campus-wide food drives for the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. It is a great opportunity for student-athletes to work together for a greater cause. The Springfield Humanics philosophy truly shines through our athletes. Participating with S.A.L.T. has given us the opportunity to reach more people and utilize our resources as efficiently as possible to make a difference in our community.
What does it mean to be a student-athlete at Springfield College?
It means being a part of something much bigger than yourself, representing THE jersey to the best of your ability at all times, and wearing the “S” on your chest with pride. Our coaches and faculty help us to reach our full potential in athletics while also maintaining an emphasis on our education to set us up for success in the future. I have learned countless valuable lessons during my time here and it is a privilege to compete for a school that values and supports athletics as much as Springfield College.
What opportunities have been presented to you because you are a student-athlete that may not be afforded other students?
As a student-athlete at Springfield College, I have had countless opportunities to grow as a leader on the playing field as well as on campus. I also have been able to travel throughout the country and meet new people while competing for the school that I love. The amount of support and help from the athletic department as well as outside of athletics is tremendous.
