UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - The Saginaw Valley State University Athletic Department begins its monthly installment of the Meemic Insurance 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' feature, which focuses on different Cardinal student-athletes, highlighting their academic and athletic accomplishments while getting to know what it means for them to be a part of the SVSU Cardinal family.
The opening installment for the academic year highlights Alexandre Bouillennec, who is a sophomore goalkeeper on the SVSU men's soccer team. He is a native of Pedernec, France and is in his second season as the starter between the posts for the Cardinals.
He has racked-up an impressive 28-6-2 record in not even two full seasons, including 11 shutouts. He had seven shutouts in his true freshman campaign, leading the Cardinals to an overall record of 14-5-2 and a trip to the NCAA Division II Round of 16. He currently has a 14-1-0 record for the 11th-ranked Cardinals and the team is playing for the 2015 GLIAC regular season championship Friday (Oct. 30) against the #17 Northwood Timberwolves.
Bouillennec has mirrored those fantastic accomplishments with a solid track record in the classroom as well. He has a 3.483 cumulative GPA as an exercise science major. He was part of a team that claimed the top departmental GPA at last year's annual Academic Awards Banquet.
First year SVSU men's soccer head coach Andy Wagstaff weighed-in on Alex and what he has meant to the program, on and off the field...
"Alex is a model student-athlete here at SVSU. He understands the importance of education and the impact that it has on his life. Therefore, he applies himself to all of the challenges that come his way. On the field, Alex is a true competitor and one of the most talented players I have ever coached. He is a 'team-first' type of guy and the players in front of him on game day trust his ability and guidance."
We caught up with Alex recently and he shed some light on his experience here so far as a student-athlete at Saginaw Valley State University...
What about Saginaw Valley State University intrigued you and made you decide to study here?
Coming to SVSU was a great opportunity to play at a top NCAA Division II program, as well as getting a top education at a very reputable school.
What are the best aspects of being a student-athlete here at SVSU?
The best part of being a student-athlete here at Saginaw Valley State University is that everything is set up for us to succeed as student-athletes, both on and off the field. We have great facilities, outstanding coaches and the academic faculty and staff here at the University are great to work with on a daily basis.
How has being a student-athlete at the collegiate level prepared you for your career after Saginaw Valley State University?
Of course, playing intercollegiate athletics here at SVSU sets me up great for my career after my time here. Being a student-athlete and competing at a high level of collegiate soccer, you have to embrace and adapt certain traits such as professionalism, teamwork, time management and communication. You absolutely need these to be successful as a collegiate student-athlete and as a professional in the business world.
What does it mean to be part of the Cardinal Athletic Family?
Being a part of the Cardinal Athletic Family means being part of a class organization where your job is to win, both on and off the field. Athletics and academics go hand-in-hand at Saginaw Valley State University and the family atmosphere that is felt throughout the entire athletic department is something that really makes me feel at home, even though I am in a different country than my home nation of France.
Could you provide me with a statement on your overall experience so far being a student-athlete here for the Cardinals?
Earn It! We believe in earning everything that comes our way. In order to do that, you have to be a tireless worker in all aspects of what you do. Success doesn't come easy and what success we have enjoyed is a product of hard work!
