University of Minnesota Athletics
Ferguson Named Most Valuable Gopher
5/28/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Cross Country
The University of Minnesota and the Gopher athletics student-athlete development program will recognize one male and one female student-athlete periodically throughout the year, who have gone above and beyond the call of duty as ambassadors of the maroon andgold. New this year, the award goes out two individuals who have shown leadership on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee in track/cross country's Anne Ferguson and swimming's Chris Johnson.
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.
Female Most Valuable Gopher: Anne Ferguson, Cross Country, Track & Field
GopherSports: You were a SAAC executive member. Talk about your role and how it helped you for the future?
Anne Ferguson: I am very grateful for my time on the SAAC exec board because it gave me more visibility of the Gopher Athletic department. There are so many people that make our programs successful. SAAC introduced me to those people and it was a pleasure to work with them. My involvement in the leadership of SAAC helped toset me apart from my classmates as we all interviewed for jobs. I gained experience planning events, speaking with professionals, and delegating tasks to peers. All of this was incredibly valuable to me.
GS: You've done a wide variety of volunteering with MAGIC. What were some of your favorite events to volunteer at and why?
AF: I most enjoy volunteering when I can be hands-on. HopeKids events are my favorite, especially the festival at the beginning of the school year! It is amazing how much of an impact one person can have on another- and I mean that going both ways. I still remember a little boy who shared his sticker with me at the pony ride station at HopeKids my freshman year. I saved the sticker!
GS: What advice would you give to younger student-athletes about SAAC or MAGIC?
AF: I urge everyone to get involved in some way. There is much more to gain from Gopher Athletics than just competing. It is rewarding to be a part of the decisions that are made at SAAC meetings. Especially during this time of change in our program with the new athletic village. We are so lucky to be student-athletes at the U and it makes people's days when a student-athlete gives their time through MAGIC. On top of giving back, I also enjoyed my time volunteering because I got to meet many student-athletes from other teams. You are able to create a lot of friendships which I encourage younger student-athletes to do.
GS: What if your next step after Gopher Athletics?
AF: I will be working as a Business Analyst for Target starting in August. I am excited to stay in the Twin Cities so that I can continue to go to Gopher sporting events.
Players Mentioned
