Lakeland University recently announced that two of its student-athletes, Olivia Heling and Robby Michael, have been selected as recipients of the Northern Athletics Collegiate Conference Faculty Athletic Representative Award. The NACC FAR award recognizes student-athletes who demonstrate outstanding achievement in academics, athletics, leadership and community service.
Olivia Heling, a member of the Lakeland women’s tennis team and a biology major, said that winning the FAR Award has been a great experience. “I didn’t think I was going to get it when I submitted the application, but I am very grateful for it,” Heling said. “It indicates my progress in my tennis career and dedication to my academics.”
Heling began playing tennis in eighth grade, which is later than most college tennis players. She said that competing at the collegiate level and playing #1 singles and doubles is something she never considered when she first started. It has been challenging to balance a biology major with collegiate sports, but Heling credits her work ethic and great time management skills for allowing her to succeed.
“As a first-generation college student, I am very grateful to be able to attend university at all,” Heling said. “That makes me want to make the most of my time here and reach my highest potential.”
Heling has also spent time volunteering at her home library and with her hometown Parks and Recreation tennis program, where she once participated as a student herself. She said that giving back to the programs that developed her has been one of the highlights of her college life.
Looking ahead, Heling said this award makes her want to continue pushing herself in her final year of tennis and school. “It’s an assurance that my work is paying off, and it encourages me to keep going.”
Robby Michael, a Lakeland football player, also described how it feels for him to be the award winner of the FAR. “I am deeply honored to be among the selected few for this year’s FAR Award,” said Michael. “It means that my hard work and commitment are indeed paying off. It testifies to my performance in class and in the field.”
Michael explained how keeping his priorities in mind has been the key to his success. He believes that the hard work he did when nobody was watching is what has earned him this award.
On campus, Michael has taken on leadership roles as a Blue and Gold Champion, an Honor Marshal for last year’s graduating class and as part of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. These roles made him a more accomplished leader and helped develop his problem-solving skills. He mentioned Lakeland’s dominating Homecoming victory over Benedictine as a season highlight, while indicating the intensity and preparation required to be on the team.
Michael also expressed hope that the award will open new doors for him in the world of sports leadership. “I believe this award would look good on a resume and open up opportunities for me where I could do my best,” he said.
Both Michael and Heling offered advice to other student-athletes trying to juggle academics, athletics and community service. Heling encouraged students to keep the bigger picture in mind, remain motivated and ensure that they take breaks so as not to burn out. Michael advised students to do everything for a purpose and to believe that hard work will ultimately pay off, even if it doesn’t become obvious initially.