Kievit Featured in the Empire 8 Conference Emerging Leaders Series

Posted: Oct 31, 2024

ALBANY - Russell Sage College Men's Soccer senior defender Mason Kievit (LaGrange, NY/Our Lady of Lourdes) was recently featured in the Empire 8 Conference Emerging Leaders Series.

The two-year co-captain serves as the 2024-2025 RSC Student-Athlete Advisory Committee President.

2024 Empire 8 Emerging Leaders Series Questionnaire

Name: Mason Kievit

Institution: Russell Sage College

Cumulative GPA: 3.7

Class Year: 2025

Major: Physical Education with a psychology minor

Sport: Men's Soccer

Academic Honors:

Nominated for the 2023 CSC Academic All-America Team
Represented the Gators on the 2023 CSC Academic All-District Team
Made the E8 Presidents' List multiple semesters
Earned a spot on the RSC Dean's List multiple times

Community Service:

Worked with a local soccer club, Spindles United F.C., to teach and coach young soccer players between the ages of 4-6.

Mason on the involvement: "Teaching these kids was an awesome opportunity, and it was so rewarding watching them smile."

Participated in numerous RSC Athletics community service initiatives, including the Albany Making Strides Walk, and Yards for Yeardley

Who is a Leader Who Has Made an Impact on You and Why?:

Our captain in my freshman and sophomore years, Christian Vaalstuen, has had a massive impact on me. Seeing the way he led us and the way that he went about being a leader was exceptional and allowed me to model myself after him.

What Type of Leader Are You?:

I am a leader who wants everyone to have a voice while maintaining the team's positivity and happiness. Fostering competition while also a team mentality is extremely important to me as a leader.

What Makes a Great Leader?:

Always looking at the positives and even in the lows of the season, finding a way to be positive and still encourage teammates to do their best and keep the vibes high.

What Is a Leader's Best Asset?:

Their personality is their best asset. Being able to connect with every member of the team and ensuring that they are confident and comfortable talking to them. Connecting with everyone and knowing about everyone's background and families is very important.

What makes leadership difficult?:

Taking into account all of the different people and all of the different places that people come from. Uniting all of these different people under one set of standards with one goal in mind feels impossible

What Does Leadership Look Like in a Team Setting?

Leadership in a team setting looks like uniting different people from different areas and backgrounds under one main idea and one goal.

Interesting or Exciting Internships You Have Done or Are Currently Working On:

I'm student teaching in the spring!!

What Do You Aspire to See Yourself Doing in 10-15 Years?

Teaching and coaching soccer!

What Are You Most Looking Forward To This Season, Both Athletically and in SAAC?:

Planning and taking part in the events on campus and throughout the conference. SAAC in the conference across all the schools has picked up heavily since I was a freshman and continuing to see it grow is so exciting to see.

Favorite Athletic Memory from Your Time in College:

The bus rides back from away games with the guys. Our last song, getting to Campus, is always 'Someone Like You' by Adele, and screaming that with our guys will always be my favorite memory.

Favorite thing about the Empire 8:

The competitiveness of the conference but also the respect between teams. No matter the score, teams always come together after and shake each other hands.

How Has Playing in the Empire 8 Prepared You for Life After College?:

The conference has prepared me for working with people very far apart. It has prepared me for constant competitiveness with respect immediately following.

Advice to Incoming Student-Athletes or Younger Teammates?:

Have confidence in yourself, but be willing and eager to learn. Learning from the upperclassmen is huge for the younger guys, especially regarding game maturity and pace.