Photo by: AJ Henderson - Georgia Southern Athletics
Izzy Ptacek Goes From Player to President
11/20/2023 11:32:00 AM | Track & Field/XC
Ptacek returns for her second year as SAAC President
STATESBORO – "The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members" – Coretta Scott King. A simple yet profound quote that describes cross-country runner Izzy Ptacek's decision to come to Georgia Southern.
"I was led to Georgia Southern because of the strength of the community here. I've never come across a community that is more unified by its heart to serve, lead, and love others like those at Georgia Southern and in Athletics."
What better way to combine athletics and community than joining the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. It was at the end of her freshman year when Ptacek was asked to join SAAC; however, she didn't quite know what the committee was.
"I had no idea what it was or the value of giving up my Monday nights to attend and contribute." she said. "However, as I continued going, I was continuously encouraged by the excellence and leadership that every single Student-Athlete on SAAC at the time had. I quickly realized it was a privilege to be on this committee and be recognized as a leader on my team and in Athletics."
After spending a year on the committee, Ptacek earned the right to serve as SAAC President, a title that takes on a multitude of responsibilities and requires a willingness to lead; but because of her love for Georgia Southern Athletics and the community, Ptacek was up for the challenge.
The 2023-2024 season begins her second year as president and her goal remains the same: to further the contributions of previous presidents, to make the community at Georgia Southern even better, and to further her own personal growth that SAAC has helped cultivate over the past four years.
Even with the numerous responsibilities that come with being president of SAAC and a member of the cross country team, Ptacek is also a core leader for Athletes in Action. Although not easy, she has managed to find ways to balance it all and gives credit to her faith.
"My faith in Jesus. I have been blessed beyond measure since coming to Georgia Southern. Luke 12:48 says 'To whom much is given, much is required.' I am held responsible for everything that I have, and everything that I am. By faith in Jesus Christ, I am able to take on all the challenges that come my way because of my full schedule and live in complete contentment. I wouldn't have it any other way. Philippians 4:13. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"
When asked about her favorite memory of being on SAAC, Ptacek says, "In all honesty, my favorite part about being on SAAC and President is the intimate relationships I have made with the Senior Administration, our Coaches, Staff, and Student-Athletes. It has helped me to acknowledge everyone that I cross paths with as holistic human beings. Not just a Senior Admin, not just a coach, not just a student-athlete, but another person who is longing to fulfill their purpose in life, not just their goals in Athletics."
As the end of her college career is near, Ptacek will cherish the lifelong friendships, wisdom, and memories that she has gained along the way. "There aren't enough words to describe my gratitude to SAAC, GS Athletics, and this community for pouring into me and contributing to my success here at Georgia Southern." she said. "I am forever changed by my time here at Southern, and I will cherish the memories I have made, the people I have met, and my time at Georgia Southern for the rest of my life."
As a final thought, Ptacek concluded with a statement to current Georgia Southern student-athletes: "Your college experience is what YOU make of it. Not what your coaches, teammates, senior admin, professors, staff, etc make of it but what YOU make of it. You can go through college without doing anything to grow yourself as an individual, to further your career, your spiritual life, etc- but your time here will be a waste. TAKE ADVANTAGE of the endless opportunities that we have as Student-Athletes to then leave this institution and yourself better than before you started here. SAAC is one of those opportunities! It has been one of the greatest honors of my college career and life serving on SAAC. Ask your coaches and your teammates who are SAAC representatives how to get involved! Or email me directly, and I will help you! Do not pass up the blessing it is of being a Student-Athlete and getting involved."
"I was led to Georgia Southern because of the strength of the community here. I've never come across a community that is more unified by its heart to serve, lead, and love others like those at Georgia Southern and in Athletics."
What better way to combine athletics and community than joining the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. It was at the end of her freshman year when Ptacek was asked to join SAAC; however, she didn't quite know what the committee was.
"I had no idea what it was or the value of giving up my Monday nights to attend and contribute." she said. "However, as I continued going, I was continuously encouraged by the excellence and leadership that every single Student-Athlete on SAAC at the time had. I quickly realized it was a privilege to be on this committee and be recognized as a leader on my team and in Athletics."
After spending a year on the committee, Ptacek earned the right to serve as SAAC President, a title that takes on a multitude of responsibilities and requires a willingness to lead; but because of her love for Georgia Southern Athletics and the community, Ptacek was up for the challenge.
The 2023-2024 season begins her second year as president and her goal remains the same: to further the contributions of previous presidents, to make the community at Georgia Southern even better, and to further her own personal growth that SAAC has helped cultivate over the past four years.
Even with the numerous responsibilities that come with being president of SAAC and a member of the cross country team, Ptacek is also a core leader for Athletes in Action. Although not easy, she has managed to find ways to balance it all and gives credit to her faith.
"My faith in Jesus. I have been blessed beyond measure since coming to Georgia Southern. Luke 12:48 says 'To whom much is given, much is required.' I am held responsible for everything that I have, and everything that I am. By faith in Jesus Christ, I am able to take on all the challenges that come my way because of my full schedule and live in complete contentment. I wouldn't have it any other way. Philippians 4:13. 'I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.'"
When asked about her favorite memory of being on SAAC, Ptacek says, "In all honesty, my favorite part about being on SAAC and President is the intimate relationships I have made with the Senior Administration, our Coaches, Staff, and Student-Athletes. It has helped me to acknowledge everyone that I cross paths with as holistic human beings. Not just a Senior Admin, not just a coach, not just a student-athlete, but another person who is longing to fulfill their purpose in life, not just their goals in Athletics."
As the end of her college career is near, Ptacek will cherish the lifelong friendships, wisdom, and memories that she has gained along the way. "There aren't enough words to describe my gratitude to SAAC, GS Athletics, and this community for pouring into me and contributing to my success here at Georgia Southern." she said. "I am forever changed by my time here at Southern, and I will cherish the memories I have made, the people I have met, and my time at Georgia Southern for the rest of my life."
As a final thought, Ptacek concluded with a statement to current Georgia Southern student-athletes: "Your college experience is what YOU make of it. Not what your coaches, teammates, senior admin, professors, staff, etc make of it but what YOU make of it. You can go through college without doing anything to grow yourself as an individual, to further your career, your spiritual life, etc- but your time here will be a waste. TAKE ADVANTAGE of the endless opportunities that we have as Student-Athletes to then leave this institution and yourself better than before you started here. SAAC is one of those opportunities! It has been one of the greatest honors of my college career and life serving on SAAC. Ask your coaches and your teammates who are SAAC representatives how to get involved! Or email me directly, and I will help you! Do not pass up the blessing it is of being a Student-Athlete and getting involved."
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