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Artem Rozhko graphic
Posted: Feb 28, 2025

SPOTLIGHT: Artem Rozhko, Treasure Valley, Men's Soccer & Men's Tennis, Sophomore

Artem is a student-athlete representative on the NWAC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee.

Q. 1 - Why did you choose your current college?

I chose TVCC because it offers a great and affordable starting point for my career, and I have been awarded both academic and athletic scholarships.

 

Q. 2 - When did you start playing this sport and how has your experience been getting to play at this level?

I've been involved in many sports throughout my life, but my true passion for soccer began when I was around 4 or 5 years old. I spent every free moment playing outside with a ball. I had to take a two-year break due to special circumstances, and TVCC provided me the opportunity to reignite my athletic career. Although, I haven't had the chance to play tennis as much, my passion for the sport continues to grow stronger with each passing day.

 

Q. 3 - What is your favorite part about playing at this level?

Beyond continuing to play my sports, my favorite part of competing at this level is proving to myself that I can improve not only on the field but off it as well. College sports come with different expectations and discipline, which are important to understand.

 

Q. 4 - Do you consider yourself a leader? If so, describe that about yourself either on or off the team.

While I see myself as a leader, I also know when to step up and when to take a step back. There have been times on the team when I had to make leadership decisions, such as changing my position entirely to benefit the team. However, a team is only as strong as its leaders, but it is also just as strong as its followers.

 

Q. 5 - Who is your greatest influence?

There are many people in my life whom I cherish, but my greatest influence has undoubtedly been my father. He ensured that I never had to struggle, and everything I've accomplished is a direct result of his support and guidance.

 

Q. 6 - What advice do you have for incoming student-athletes?

Stay organized. No matter how talented you are as an athlete, your academic effort is just as important. You're in a unique position—make the most of your experience.

 

Q. 7 - What is one challenge or obstacle that you have had to overcome in order to get where you are today?

I had to leave my home country (Ukraine) at the age of 17 because of the war, and being away from my family and friends for the past three years, without any opportunity to visit, has been a challenging experience.

 

Q. 8 - What are your plans after you graduate? 

After graduation, I plan to transfer to a four-year university to further my education and earn a degree in finance. However, I don't think I'll ever stop participating in sports, whether at the college level or recreationally.

 

Q. 9 - What is something you enjoy doing outside of your athletic pursuits?

I love anything outdoors—whether it's hiking, swimming, and camping during the warmer months, or skiing and snowboarding when winter rolls around. But there's also something special about having a quiet movie or reading night every now and then.

 

Q. 10 - Name one fun fact about yourself.

I speak 4 languages (Ukrainian, Polish, Russian, English) and I absolutely love to travel! So far, I've visited 17 countries, and my goal is to hit 25 before I turn 21. Being multilingual helps in travelling a lot!

 

Specific to being on the DEI Committee:

  • In your role as a student-athlete leader, how do you promote diversity, equity, and inclusion both on and off the field?
    • Our team is made up of individuals with diverse backgrounds, cultures, and stories, and I believe that embracing these differences makes us stronger. I strive to foster an environment where we can all share and learn from each other's unique experiences. Off the field, I serve as a peer mentor at our Multicultural & Diversity Center. It's been a fantastic opportunity to continue learning about different cultures and perspectives, while also helping my college peers navigate their own experiences.
  • What are some challenges you believe student-athletes face when it comes to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and how do you think these challenges can be addressed?
    • Every person is unique, and we all face challenges throughout our lives. For many of our student-athletes, being away from home can be tough. For some, it might be just a short 1-hour drive, while for others, it's a 16-hour flight across the globe. Regardless of the distance, it's important to create an environment where everyone feels included and supported. A team is not just a group of some people, but a family.
  • How do you envision your role on the student-athlete committee contributing to creating a more inclusive and equitable environment for all student-athletes?
    • I think being on the NWAC DEI committee is a great opportunity to understand the needs of student-athletes. I'll do my best to listen to them and make their wishes come true.

Learn more about the NWAC Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee at: https://nwacsports.com/Diversity_Equity_and_Inclusion.

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