National SAAC Representative

Kirsten Ford - ESU, Women's tennis

A Wakarusa, KS native, Kristen Ford was born a Hornet. The 2010-12 NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative started her tennis career in elementary school by playing with her parents and brother, all ESU alums.

“My mom wanted me to play a sport that I could play throughout my life, said Ford." "Once I fell in love with tennis I knew I wanted to play it at the collegiate level, especially as a Hornet."

The two-year captain of the women’s tennis team competes in doubles and singles with a current overall singles record for 2010 at 5-1. As a freshman, Ford earned MIAA Honorable Mention in singles and was named to the MIAA All-Academic team.

“Kirsten’s been a great captain these past three years,” states head tennis coach John Cayton. “Her ability to lead and support her teammates impresses me more and more each year. She continues to thrive as a student and improve as a player.”

Ford, a sophomore Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major emphasizing in Pre-Physical Therapy, not only excels on the tennis court at Emporia, but has made her mark in the classroom as well.

“I like studying the kinetics of the human body and how it functions to do the normal everyday tasks and athletic endeavors, said Ford.” “While I would enjoy working in most any physical therapy setting, my dream job would be to work for a professional sports team or at an Olympic training center.”

Ford plans to attend graduate school upon graduation from ESU.

SAAC provides student-athletes the opportunity to enhance their collegiate athletic experience by promoting integrity and fostering a positive student-athlete image throughout their communities. SAAC representatives act as liaisons for their institution and athletic team around their local community and beyond.

“Joining SAAC gave me the opportunity to get to know and work with fellow student-athletes by doing service projects throughout the Emporia community, said Ford.” “I also enjoy promoting Emporia’s athletic sportsmanship and respect within our programs. I am excited to do the same at the national level and meet the liaisons throughout the MIAA and nationally.”

 Now a few fun facts about the MIAA national SAAC representative Kirsten Ford:

1)   Favorite food? La Hacienda (Best Mexican in Emporia!)

2)   Favorite color? Black

3)   KU or MU? KU (OF COURSE!!!!)

4)   Favorite music? I listen to about anything, but my new pre-match song to pump me up is “Ali in the Jungle” by the Hours. I always have a pretty legit playlist ready to workout to.

5)   Favorite T.V. show? House and The Big Bang Theory

6)   Favorite thing to do in Emporia? Anything with my teammates and ESU sporting events.

7)   Favorite movie? The Hangover

8)   How many times a day do you check your Facebook? Too Many!!!

9)   Any superstitions or rituals? Every year I get a new pair of lucky earrings that I wear for every match. This year I chose a pair of gold hoops (Serena style) that matches my headband nicely!

10) Hobbies? I am continually learning new recipes and new dishes to cook. I am currently mastering breakfast food. If anyone would like a delicious turkey (bacon or sausage), egg and cheese sandwich just let me know! I also make good spinach scrambled eggs and hash browns. And you can’t go wrong with toast!