University of Minnesota Athletics
Lynn Named Sept. Most Valuable Gopher
10/1/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Tennis
The University of Minnesota and the Gopher athletics student-athlete development program will recognize one male and one female student-athlete each month, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty as ambassadors of the maroon and gold. New this year, Gopher athletics will announce its 'Most Valuable Gophers' at the start of each month. The first-ever recipients of this monthly award goes to men's tennis player Jeremy Lynn. He is joined by the female recipient, women's track and field's Katie Murgic.
Criteria for the award will be based on one or more of the three student-athlete development areas:
· Leadership - leadership roles on athletic team, Student-Athlete Advisory Committee representatives, student group participation, campus panels, team hosts or other roles as ambassadors of the Maroon and Gold, campus committees
· Professional Development - embracing career opportunities on campus and programs offered by the athletics department, to include: internships, volunteer and part-time employment focused on career development.
· Commitment to Service - volunteering through MAGIC and on their own in the community (may or may not be career related). All hours considered are logged through the University of Minnesota system.
September 2014 Male MVG: Jeremy Lynn (men's tennis)
Jeremy Lynn held the most volunteer hours for a male student-athlete in the month of September. Throughout the month, he volunteered at the annual HopeDay Festival, Gopher Athletics' largest community service event of the year. He also attended and volunteered his time at the Party of the Plaza, which was a University of Minnesota function, as it kicked off the 2014-15 academic year. Lynn, a native of Joplin, Missouri, also volunteered 12 hours of his time at a team event as the Gophers, as the Gopher tennis team prepared for the 2014 fall season.
Q: How were you able to balance being a student-athlete and put forth so many community service hours?
Jeremy Lynn: Now that I'm a sophomore, I feel like I know how to manage my time more efficiently. Being a student athlete is certainly a time commitment, but if you manage your days the right way you can still find the hours to do the things you love to do. This year, I want to be more involved in the community not only for because I want to, but also because I feel a moral obligation. I have been given so many wonderful opportunities in my life that if I weren't to give back at all I would feel selfish.
Q: What was your favorite event that you volunteered for?
JL: Hope Day was my favorite part of volunteering this month. Being around the HopeKids children was a really rewarding experience. It was honestly a privilege get to spend some time with them.
Q: How do you think you'll continue to maintain a commitment to service or with MAGIC?
JL: There are so many volunteering opportunities that I can take part in here in the Twin Cities. I plan on getting more involved this year with the community.
Q: What skills are you gaining or using through your commitment to service and steps toward your career advancement that will help you grow as a leader?
JL: Volunteering is facilitating my growth as a leader in many regards. Volunteering is something that forces you to take initiative. You are put into situations where you have to make important decisions. You can either sit back and watch everything unfold, or you can hold yourself and others accountable by making sure that you and you peers do the best job possible. Making tough decisions is important in order to become a successful leader and I'm learning and practicing this through volunteering.
Players Mentioned
