UNIVERSITY CENTER, Mich. - Saginaw Valley State University Athletics continues its monthly 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' feature that focuses on Cardinal student-athletes and what it means for them to be a member of the SVSU Athletics family. The 'Spotlight' is presented by State Farm Insurance.

The September installment of the 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' series highlights Jason Wise, the senior starting goalkeeper on the Cardinal men's soccer team. Wise, a Troy native, was a two-sport athlete at Troy High School competing in basketball and soccer. Jason had success at the high school level in basketball as he helped lead his team to a district championship his senior year. He also played with the under-18 Michigan Wolves club soccer program based out of Livonia.

During his career at SVSU, Wise has excelled both on the field and in the classroom. Jason is frequently seen on the Dean's List as he works his way through the Math degree program at Saginaw Valley.

In 2011, Wise helped spark the Cardinals to their first-ever GLIAC championship as he finished second in the conference with a 0.96 goals-against-average. Jason was selected Second Team All-GLIAC by his peers as SVSU made an appearance in the NCAA Division II Soccer Championship. Wise has been a vocal and emotional leader in net for the Cardinals as he tries to keep his team positive in any situation as they are again in the hunt for a conference title in 2012.

Jason Wise reflects, in his own words, on his past three seasons as a member of the highly-successful SVSU men's soccer program and what he has gained throughout his time as a Cardinal:

"Life is full of decisions, and choosing to play soccer here at Saginaw Valley State University will always be considered one of the better decisions I have ever made in life. However, I would be lying if I said the decision was not influenced by the outstanding people in this athletic department. From the minute I first walked on campus, every member of this athletic department strived to make sure I felt I was going to be taken care of. The welcoming atmosphere I experienced made me feel like I was already part of the Cardinal family.

My teammates and coaches could not be a better group of guys. They have given me some of the best memories from my college experience. The countless hours that I have spent with them will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Playing soccer here has been one of the most rewarding experiences that I could have ever imagined. Over these last three years, I have not only grown as a soccer player, but also as an individual. Many of lessons that I have learned on-the-field will apply off-the-field as well; a few of those lessons being leadership, communication, and teamwork.

I am extremely proud of this program and everything it has been able to accomplish in recent years. I'm even happier to have been a part of this program as it has turned into one of the top soccer programs in the conference. I will always be grateful for the opportunity that I have been given to play soccer for SVSU. I am, and always will be, a Cardinal."

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

Click here to view previous Student-Athlete Spotlight segments