By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor
Interested spectators might have spotted the athlete with his pink shoes on the basketball court during an exciting match at Saint Leo University’s Marion Bowman Activities Center. He shows some impressive qualities on and off the court.
Grant Disken—hailing from Kentucky, majoring in marketing, and graduating in 2024, has been playing basketball since he was four years old and is enjoying every second of it.
“I am looking forward to my team’s season every year!” said Disken.
Disken’s biggest idol is his father, since he has demonstrated to be a great role model to his three children. Disken appreciates all the lessons he has learned from his dad, including hard work, responsibility, and, most importantly, how to be true to oneself.
“Therefore, my motto is: Be yourself. Your best is good enough. Enjoy life,” said Disken.
Playing basketball is a team effort—Disken is always ready to go out on the court, compete with his teammates, and anticipate that feeling day in and day out.
“My favorite part about basketball is winning!” said Disken.
This mindset is showing, since the men’s basketball player has already achieved some great successes at Saint Leo, including winning the Sunshine State Conference title in 2021 over Florida Southern, being named Mr. Saint Leo at the prestigious Green and Gold Awards in 2022, being a representative on the Saint Leo Student Athlete-Advisory Committee (SAAC), and being selected as the Vice President of SAAC for the 2022-2023 school year.
“As my favorite memory of Saint Leo, I have to select either winning the conference title in our home gym last season or celebrating the Green and Gold awards where I also had the opportunity of presenting two awards,” said Disken.
However, practice makes perfect! The student-athlete usually practices six days a week and has one day off on Sunday to rest his body and mind after working extensively throughout the week.
“Whether that be on the court, in the weight room, or exercising outside, I am never afraid to push myself to the breaking point,” said Disken.
Equally important to recognize is Disken’s success off the court. He has been able to form a phenomenal friend group at Saint Leo and maintain a solid GPA over the past two years.
The student-athlete enjoys making memories with his friends and playing other sports like football, baseball, golf, and pickleball. Additionally, he enjoys listening to music of all kinds and loves to go to the beach or lake house with his friends.
“My biggest goal is graduating from Saint Leo with success on and off the court,” said Disken. “This means winning more conference titles or even a National Championship. However, it would also include keeping my friends close and being a solid student.”
