Lisa Klein, a member of the Illinois State gymnastics team, is showing her leadership skills as the vice-president of Student Athlete-Advisory Council (SAAC).
SAAC is a leadership council that is trying to make a bridge between student-athletes and the administration within the athletics department. Each team has 2 representatives on SAAC and those representatives are chosen by their coach.
Other student athletes on the board include Beth Huston as president, Jene Klostermann as secretary, JaRod Tobler as educational outreach, and Sarah Loomis as community service. SAAC has organized the Walk of Champions for the freshman and the State Farm Just Read program. They also work with the State Farm Academic Excellence Banquet and are very involved with community projects.
The St. Peters, Mo., native has been a member of SAAC for two years before being appointed vice-president. Klein feels that she has learned a lot from her experiences in the council.
It definitely helped me improve my time management, Klein said. I also really enjoyed the State Farm Just Read program that I have gotten involved with over the years. This year, being the vice-president has taught me a lot about being a leader and having a lot of responsibility.
The junior competes in beam and floor for the Redbirds. Klein became a medical red shirt during her sophomore year after she tore her ACL. She is considered a senior academically but has one more year of eligibility after this season. Klein has decided to end her gymnastics career at ISU this season and will graduate next December.
Last season was Kleins first year back after her injury and she performed well. Klein made it to NCAA Regionals in the balance beam and was voted captain for this season. She is looking forward to her last season as a Redbird.
My main goal is to have fun, Klein said. I want to look forward to every competition and being with my teammates. Basically, I just want to enjoy the sport because I know it will be my last year.
Klein has high expectations with her team this season.
I definitely think that we have the potential to make Regionals as a team this year, Klein said. Last year wasnt a great year for us as a whole. But with our new coach and the great freshman class, I think we can show everybody that Illinois State is still moving up.
Klein has been on the AFNI Honor Roll every semester and is a Scholastic All-American. She is also the current record holder of the floor and beam with a 9.95.
After graduation Klein is planning on going to graduate school for sports nutrition.
I want to focus on eating disorders and the sports aspect of it, Klein said. After graduate school I want to work with a universitys athletics department, or have my own private practice.
Written by Jolene Harrison, Student Assistant, Athletics Media Relations
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