Bowling Green State University Athletics
Student + Athlete + Success = Stephanie Swiger
November 01, 2007 | Volleyball
Nov. 1, 2007
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Stephanie Swiger is not just a kill-producer on the volleyball court. She is also a die-hard off the court as a student and an ambassador with a mission.
Swiger, a senior and native of Findlay, Ohio, was named the Mid America Conference East Division Player of the Week on September 15 for her exceptional efforts at the Best Western Invitational where she led the Falcons to a tournament championship and was awarded Most Valuable Player.
Off the court, political science major and law school-bound Swiger serves as President of the BGSU Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), chairwoman of the MAC SAAC, and representative of the MAC to the Division I National SAAC.
Needless to say, Swiger's got it all- the success and awards, the resume to land a good job, and the elements of a true student-athlete that every school desires. She is the complete package.
In today's sports climate at the college level, it is often difficult to define the ideal student-athlete. I would define the term as one that stands out as not only being an accomplished leader on the field of play, but also as a leader off the field and in the classroom.
Swiger exemplifies this student-athlete model.
She may not have led our football team to a glorified BCS national championship; however amongst many great student-athletes at BGSU who have shared similar college experiences, she too has been a field general in her own manner.
As a highly involved member of SAAC, Swiger represents thousands of student-athletes on the campus of BGSU and the 12-or so other campuses in various sports in the MAC.
As a member of SAAC, Swiger has had the opportunity to weigh in on issues concerning these student-athletes and provide input into the NCAA's rules, regulations, and policies on their behalf.
"(SAAC) has provided me with a great opportunity at each level (MAC and Division I SAAC) to see the development and influence that the NCAA legislative changes and the individual campus changes have on student athletes," Swiger said.
Whether her concerns are for her fellow student-athletes at BGSU or others who compete against the Falcons each year, Swiger says that it is all for the same cause.
Her interaction with student-athletes in and out of the MAC who have benefitted from her involvement in the organization says it all.
"I've met student-athletes from all over the country, in all kinds of sports, and (I have) seen all the positive influences I've helped to make," Swiger said.
Swiger calls it "fighting for their (the student-athletes') best interests". Because, if you have been a student-athlete or know someone who has, you may recall that it is often a difficult and exhausting experience. "Sometimes student athletes feel like they fall through the cracks, either because they're not on a revenue sport or their program is battling budget issues," Swiger said.
Despite all the emotion and busy schedules of being involved in college sports, some however come away from their college experience with just that- an experience, and one, Swiger says, they should find fulfillment in. There is absolutely no doubt that Swiger has accomplished just that. And her mission is to give other student-athletes that opportunity.
Whether or not her influence was felt by the thousands of student-athletes she represented, or whether or not law school is her next life obstacle, Swiger hopes that she will be remembered as someone who made a difference during her time at BGSU.
"I want to leave here as someone who tried to be a positive image of what a student athlete should be, someone who could perform on the court and perform in the classroom," Swiger said.
On the volleyball court, Swiger hopes that she will also be remembered as a great player.
Records and statistics aside, Swiger credits her teammates for giving her the opportunity to become so successful.
At the Best Western Invitational, Swiger recorded 34 kills, eight blocks, six digs, five aces, two assists, and totaled 43.0 points. In volleyball terms, that's pretty good. Swiger says she couldn't have done it without her supporting cast.
"It's humbling (winning MVP)," Swiger said, but it's a testament to my team. I rely on my teammates to give me opportunities to get those kills and help us win."
Swiger's team fell just short of a conference title last season, losing in the MAC Championship match to Ohio, despite having a 26-6 record. "It left us hungry which was good," Swiger said.
Swiger and company came into the season with high expectations as fearlessly contend for the MAC title. And if there is any indication of the team's success in 2007, it's that Swiger usually gets what she wants.
"I think there is no doubt our team wants to absolutely go in and annihilate any one we can."
