Nick Schneiders’ passion for graphic design has taken him from Reitberg, Germany to Spartanburg, S.C.
Schneiders continues to solidify his place as one of the best big men in the history of Spartan basketball. The 7-3 center ranks as one of 19 active Division I players with over 480 rebounds and 170 blocks. But basketball does not rank as his top priority. Growing up in Germany, Schneider enjoyed graphic design much more than basketball.
“I started playing basketball really late,” Schneiders said. “I was playing in Europe and Coach Payne found me and to brought me to Upstate.”
Once hearing about USC Upstate’s graphic design program, Schneiders knew this would be the prefect chance to get a free education in the program he loved.
“I knew it was something I wanted to do right away.” Schneiders said. “I wanted to work in graphic design and I was not going to waste a chance to get my education.”
Schneiders has not wasted the opportunity posting excellent grades and CoSIDA/ ESPN The Magizine named Schneiders to their First-Team Academic All-District Team. The honor adds to an impressive academic resume for Schneiders, who carries a 3.71 GPA as a graphic design major.
The senior center recorded a perfect 4.0 GPA in the fall semester, the third time he has turned in a semester without a blemish. Schneiders has developed into quite an artistic individual. He was one of 20 student-athletes in all of the NCAA to have artwork on display at the 2009 NCAA Convention in Washington, D.C. and was featured on the NCAA Web site.
“Going to Washington, (D.C.) was a tremendous honor.” Schneiders said. “I have never done anything on that level with that many people seeing it. It was such an honor.”
He has earned Atlantic Sun Academic All-Conference honors three times and Peach Belt Conference academic accolades in 2006-07 on the Presidential Honor Roll prior to USC Upstate’s move to Division I and the A-Sun.
Schneiders wants to continue playing basketball for as long as he can but he knows he has another thing to fall back on that he loves. As he continues to accomplish goals and live his dream, he defines what being a student-athlete is about.
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