Student-Athlete. It’s a term recognized across many college campuses nationwide. Education is important to almost everyone, but becoming a college athlete is a choice that takes time to consider. It’s not something everyone can do, but a lifestyle change that involves hard work, dedication and commitment.
Junior Jasmine Johnson, a student-athlete at Mesa State College, played softball her first two years, but has decided to finish her athletic career running track. Johnson, known as J.J., is from Grand Junction.
“I choose to play at Mesa State College because it allows me to compete in front of the community I grew up around,” Johnson said. “To be able to experience the adrenaline rush that occurs in both sports whether it’s stepping in the box to take a swing or stepping in the box for hurdles is an amazing feeling. I am lucky that I have gotten this opportunity and I take so much pride in it.”
Alaina Brennan is a junior at Mesa State. Brennan plays two sports with seasons that go back-to-back. She was recruited to play basketball, but she also decided to walk-on to the Maverick softball team. Brennan has excelled in sports and already figured out what her future has to offer.
“I have a great sense of pride playing for the college I watched growing up,” Brennan said. “Basketball has always been my passion, while softball is something I love to do, like a hobby. I wouldn’t trade being an athlete at Mesa State for anything after meeting all my teammates throughout the years and creating the lifelong friendships I will remember forever. When it comes to a future in sports, I want to take what I know and have learned along with my abilities to teach younger players from a coaching aspect.”

tgross@mesastate.edu