How does he do it? How does The University of Olivet junior Michael Brait find time for it all – the sports and the academics?
Brait is a defensive player for the men’s soccer team and an admirer of exercise sciences. An individual not from America, Brait’s had to adjust and balance while at Olivet.
“During the fall semester, I find myself being more disciplined as I am better at managing my time during the soccer season,” Brait said. “Having practice every day at 3 p.m. gives me the whole night to complete any assignments and papers, and to study for tests. During the spring semester, I have fewer priorities as it is the offseason, so I tend to have a little more free time.”
Brait is 21 years old and from Windsor, Ontario, Canada. He is majoring in exercise science and plans to become a physical therapist after receiving his doctor of physical therapy degree from a post-graduate program.
“The University of Olivet has provided me with an excellent education from the first day of classes in my freshman year,” Brait said. “I have made relationships with many professors that I will likely ask to be references for me in the future. I love my exercise science major and all the classes that fall within the program. They are interesting and most of all they are beneficial for my future. I made The University of Olivet my home in 2012-13 and cannot think of any other institution I would rather call home.”
It’s the education and the relationship with Brait’s professors that have helped him grow as a student and an athlete.
“Nancy Van Hoozier (associate professor of health and human performance) has made the greatest impact for me as a student,” he said. “In sports psychology, she has taught me how to block out all obstacles that unexpectedly present themselves during competition. She has also given me the knowledge and skill to center myself during games and focus on the task at hand rather than making irrational decisions that can cost my team a game. I have built a strong student-professor relationship with Nancy that I plan to carry on for the remainder of my education at The University of Olivet. She will be one of my references after I graduate, and I plan to keep in touch with her along the way to finding my future career.”
In 2014, Brait started all 16 games for the Comets and earned a second varsity letter while recording two goals and two assists for a total of six points. He scored the game-winner in a 2-1 win at Alma that year, too.
Leadership, combined with an adeptness of being mentally and physically balanced, allows Brait to blossom while at The University of Olivet.
Just ask his professors.
“I always know what I am going to get from Michael…his best work,” Van Hoozier said. “Day in and day out he comes willing and ready to tackle the course material. Michael exemplifies the concept of student-athlete. He challenges himself and those around him to be successful. We have had some really interesting conversations concerning leadership, playing in the moment and motivation. I appreciate that Michael sees the big picture. He lives in the now, but builds for the future.”