MANKATO, Minn. - Connor Fournier wears many hats as a dedicated student-athlete at Minnesota State.
 
He's not only a key contributor to the Maverick football team but also serves as the Northern Sun Intercollegiate Conference's national SAAC (Student-Athlete Advisory Committee) representative.
 
Balancing these dual roles is no small feat, but Fournier approaches it with unwavering discipline and meticulous planning.
 
"Balancing both roles takes a lot of discipline and planning," Fournier said. "Football requires a lot of physical and mental preparation. Serving the NSIC as the National SAAC representative takes time for meetings, communication, and advocating for student-athlete voices. I have learned to prioritize my schedule around both of those commitments to allow myself to be fully engaged, whether it's on the field or in a meeting. I am fortunate enough to have amazing coaches, administrators, and teammates. This makes balancing priorities much easier."
 
Seizing Opportunities
 
This winter, Fournier will have the opportunity to attend the NCAA Convention, a chance to connect with student-athlete leaders, administrators, and NCAA representatives from across all divisions.
 
The convention serves as a platform for him to learn more about decision-making processes that directly impact student-athletes.
 
"I am excited to connect with student-athlete leaders, administrators, and NCAA representatives across all divisions," Fournier said. "The convention will be a great opportunity to learn more about how decisions are made that directly affect student-athletes. My role will be to advocate for the Northern Sun and Division II SAAC on a national stage. This will require listening, sharing feedback, and helping to ensure our conference's student-athletes' perspective is heard while decisions are being made. I am honored to have been selected to be a part of these conversations."
 
Fournier understands the vital role that SAAC plays at various levels — within schools, conferences, and nationally. It's a platform for student-athletes to voice their concerns and influence positive change, whether it's related to community engagement, improving the student-athlete experience, or providing input on NCAA policies.
 
"SAAC gives student-athletes a platform to use their voices and influence positive change," Fournier said.
 
"Within our conference, SAAC connects all of the campuses across the NSIC to share ideas and strengthen our collective voices. Nationally, we use SAAC to provide input on NCAA policies that will affect all student-athletes. This can range from mental health initiatives to championship experiences. All together, it is making sure our perspective is represented at every level across the NCAA."
 
Striving for Excellence

On the football field, Fournier has recently transitioned from punting to kicking. While the two positions may seem similar, they have their unique challenges and nuances.
 
Fournier credits his development to learning from experienced players and receiving support from both the coaching staff and teammates.
 
"It has been a fun transition," Fournier said. "Last year, I was new to punting and had to figure it out along the way. Punting and kicking are similar but different in many ways. I spent most of the last two years learning under Matthew Jaeger, watching how he approaches games and stays mentally strong during the ups and downs of a game. That development over the years helped me be able to perform at a high level whenever my number was called. The support of the coaching staff and teammates has also helped this transition."

"Connor Fournier exemplifies discipline, confidence, and reliability — always ready to rise when his team needs him most," said head coach Todd Hoffner. "A key contributor for the Mavericks, he's known for his consistency and focus, making him one of the most dependable legs in the NSIC.

As the football season progresses, Fournier and his teammates remain committed to their standards of excellence. They approach each game one play at a time, emphasizing discipline and teamwork.

"You can expect us to approach everything one play at a time," Fournier said. "We have our standards of excellence that we strive to hit every game and will continue to hold ourselves to those standards. We will continue to stay disciplined and play for each other. Overall, we're a tight-knit group, and these next few games will be very exciting."
 
Supportive Culture
What initially drew Fournier to Minnesota State was the culture and sense of community. From his first visit, he felt a connection to the program's brotherhood and the dedication to playing for one another.
 
"The culture here drew me in immediately," Fournier said. "From the first time I visited, I knew this was something I wanted to be a part of. We truly have a brotherhood here, we are all focused on playing for the guy next to us. The coaches, players, and support staff really make us stand out. When I got the call three years ago, it was the easiest decision of my life. I knew it was an environment I wanted to be a part of."
 
Fournier's journey as a student-athlete at Minnesota State is fueled by the sense of family and community that sets the university apart. He believes that the support from fellow athletes, regardless of the sport they play, is what makes Minnesota State a unique and exceptional place to thrive.

"Beyond the field, Connor takes pride in serving others and supporting the greater Maverick Athletic Family," Hoffner said. "As a national leader on the NCAA Division II Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, he stands out for his ability to listen, collaborate, and shape a shared vision for student-athletes nationwide. Connor's servant-style leadership shines through his involvement with the Make-A-Wish campaign, where he plays an instrumental role in helping others fulfill their dreams. Whether it's through his kicks or his character, Connor Fournier represents what it truly means to be a Maverick — a leader, a teammate, and a man of purpose."

"The sense of family and community here at Minnesota State sets us apart," Fournier said. "The #MavFam is real, our community is amazing, and they travel very well to all of the events. Our athletes genuinely support each other, no matter the sport. There's a shared sense of pride when you put on the Maverick logo. We all strive to be great people on and off the field, and everyone buys into that."