It was month to remember for Baruch women’s volleyball setter Safia Mian and the senior is the recipient of the Hospital For Special Surgery November Student-Athlete of the Month.
The Flushing, New York resident helped captain the Bearcats to their first CUNYAC Championship since 1995 and first-ever NCAA Tournament berth. The Francis Lewis graduate was tremendous throughout the four post-season matches in November, totaling 98 assists and 16 service aces. She was at her best in the CUNYAC championship match against Hunter, compiling 38 assists and 13 digs. She also totaled three aces in the NCAA first-round contest at New York University.
"It was a great experience this season, particularly in being able to finish my college career with a CUNYAC Championship and NCAA Berth," said Mian. " We did not play as well as we anticipated in the NCAA Tournament, but the great experience of postseason is something the team can build upon for the future."
Mian, who was born in Sialkot, Pakistan, was named to the CUNYAC All Star First Team for the second time in her career (2002) after being named to the Second Team in 2004. This past season, she led the conference in assists (8.57 per game), hitting percentage (.437), and also ranked in the top-ten in service aces (0.87 pg.) and digs (2.72 pg).
"Safia is one of the hardest working players on the team and her ability to balance academics, athletics, and community service is outstanding," said Baruch head coach Krishna Dass. "She embodies all that is terrific about being a student-athlete and is a shining star at Baruch."
Mian has been just as sensational in the classroom as she carries a 3.60 grade point average in Accounting Major with a Minor in Industrial & Organizational Psychology. She was nominated to the Academic All-American Team during the Fall 2004 and Fall 2005 semesters. Just this past spring, she enjoyed a tremendous experience studying abroad in Dubai, a city in United Arab Emirates.
"I had a great time abroad in Dubai," Mian said. "The country is magnificent, and there was so much to see and learn in the classroom and city. I also had the opportunity to play volleyball with some of the athletes on their varsity team. Playing against other talents really helped my game this past season."
"It feels good to be honored for my work on-and-off the court during my time at Baruch," said Safia. "I want to sincerely thank my team for their support, especially my coach Krishna Dass, who has helped me develop as a player since I first started on the team. I have come such a long way the last four years as a player, student, and person."
Mian plans to enter the corporate world of accounting and eventually pursue a Master's in Taxation upon graduating from Baruch.