UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Saginaw Valley State University Athletics resumes its 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' feature focusing on Cardinal student-athletes and what it means for them to be a part of the SVSU Athletics family.

The March 2013 installment of the 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' series highlights Menominee, Mich. native Brett Beland, a senior on the Cardinal men's basketball team. Beland is currently in his last semester of athletic eligibility at SVSU and is helping his team make a late run at the postseason.

Beland excelled during his prep days at Menominee High School as a member of the successful basketball team. The Maroons made it all the way to the State Semifinals his junior season and he was also named Upper Peninsula 'Player of the Year' his senior season (2008-2009).

At SVSU, Brett has scored 619 points in his career spanning 86 contests and 39 starts. The senior guard is an 85.7 percent career free throw shooter and has connected on 97 three-pointers in his four years at Saginaw Valley.

Brett's breakout performance came in the final game of the 2011-12 season with a 29-point output at Northern Michigan University. In his senior season, Beland is averaging 12.8 points per contest and has started in all 24 games for head coach Randy Baruth.

Beland has also been impressive in the classroom as he compiled a 3.582 grade point average with a major in Marketing.

In his own words, Beland reflects on his experiences as a member of Cardinal Athletics and the SVSU Basketball families:

"Over the course of my career here at SVSU, I have grown and learned more than I ever thought possible. SVSU has helped me face challenges and created opportunities that I will take with me as I move into the next chapter of my life.

Saginaw Valley has provided me with a hospitable atmosphere, which helped me create relationships and memories that will last a lifetime.

As my career is coming to an end and I'm playing in my last few games, I reflect on the memories I have made here. Those memories could not have been possible if it wasn't for the family environment SVSU has provided me. I could not be more thankful for everything SVSU and the Athletic Department has done. I am and always will be a Cardinal!" - Brett Beland

Stay tuned to www.SVSUCardinals.com next month for the April edition of the 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' presented by State Farm.

Click here to view previous Student-Athlete Spotlight segments