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 October installment of the 'Student-Athlete Spotlight' series highlights Sam Breault, senior captain setter on the Cardinal women's volleyball team. Breault, a Bad Axe, Mich. native, was a three-sport athlete at Bad Axe High School competing in volleyball, basketball and track. She had a successful high school volleyball career as she earned First Team All-State honors, while also being tabbed as the most valuable player of her basketball team.

During her time at SVSU, Breault has scored high marks both in the classroom and on the court. Breault has compiled an impressive 3.774 grade point average and is finishing up her Communications degree. On top of her busy volleyball practice and travel schedule, Breault works as an intern in the Athletics Compliance office and also represents the volleyball team on the Student-Athlete Advisory Council.

Breault has been a pivotal part of the highly successful Cardinal volleyball program as their setter the past three seasons recording over 2,400 assists, while posting a .252 hitting percentage throughout her career.

Breault reflects, in her own words, on her past four seasons as a member of the highly-successful SVSU women's volleyball program and what she has gained throughout her time as a Cardinal:

"When I was in sixth grade, I told my dad that I wanted to play college volleyball.  Looking back on these last nine years that I've played, it's hard to imagine that my career is almost over.  The road hasn't been easy; in fact, it's been full of challenges.  Playing at the collegiate level has been a dream come true and I have everyone in the Cardinal Family to thank for that.  During my years here, everyone I've met has had full faith in me and pushed me to better myself in some way or another.

Starting my last season as a Cardinal, I've had new challenges to overcome.  Being both a senior and a captain has forced me to take a huge step outside of my comfort zone.  My coaches and teammates have always pushed me to be more.  Having their support has made these past three years challenging, no doubt, but absolutely rewarding.  Thanks to the coaches, my teammates and the administrators here, I've become the strong, confident woman that I never thought I could be when I first stepped onto this campus.

I think it will definitely be a whole new world after volleyball, not waking up early for spring practice or getting home late from Saturday matches in the fall.  I don't think I can help but miss that stuff when it's all over.  After so much time spent together doing those things, these people who have taught me the sport and played with me, they aren't coaches and teammates.  They're family."

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

Click here to view previous Student-Athlete Spotlight segments