Athletes on Air- Vineet Shinde – Men’s Track

By Pia Perthen, Sports Editor

Attentive spectators might have seen this ambitious track athlete competing in a track meet, giving his best alongside his teammates. But they might not know that this athlete has traveled far to grow and develop as an athlete and student.

Vineet Shinde, from Sanpada Navi Mumbai, India, is majoring in sports business with a minor in accounting and has been running track since the start of high school. He stopped for a couple of years but found his passion for it again during his sophomore year of college.

In addition to being a student athlete, Shinde works for Residence Life as a Resident Assistant (RA) and is gaining valuable experience for future career paths. His biggest goal is to impact the lives of others through sports.

“I would like to pursue a job in sports finance and management after I have graduated from college,” said Shinde.

He says his biggest idols are his grandfather and himself, which shows how much he believes in himself. This can be seen as he practices five to six times a week and continues to achieve personal records at track meets.

“I like the competitiveness most about my sport. Nothing comes close to experiencing the thrill and excitement I have during a track meet!” said Shinde, who is ready to give his best and work hard for his success.

Shinde is grateful for the love and support that his immediate environment is providing him. Apart from his sport, he is fascinated by watching premier league, tv shows, anime, and standup comedy. Another unique feature is that he enjoys listening to old music. Besides that, Shinde likes to talk with his friends or new people.

“I am always really excited to see my friends’ and teammates’ faces after the breaks and cannot wait to exchange memories and experiences!” said Shinde.

Shinde is also a representative of the Saint Leo Student Athlete-Advisory Committee (SAAC) and is the new treasurer for SAAC. He likes being in this organization because he is able to represent his team and gain more insights into the athletic department. His advice to all athletes is, if you are struggling with anything, please reach out to the executive board of SAAC or your SAAC representative. Shinde stresses that SAAC is able to help athletes to do better in sports and life.

Finally, Shinde says that his personal motto is, “Character, not the brain, will count on the crucial day!” justifying his fit for this month’s Athlete on Air.

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