Why did you choose to be a Division III student-athlete?
I chose to be a Division III student-athlete due to the balanced academic and athletic experiences. I was seeking a challenge both in the classroom and on the field, while also making sure that I wouldn’t have to sacrifice one for the other. Being a part of Division III helped me grow as a student and athlete, but also as a person. The qualities embraced in this environment will continuously make a positive impact on my future endeavors.
You have a blank canvas, paint your perfect day. What does it look like?
I would paint a summer day by the Sebilj in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The streets of Bašcaršija would be full of life with locals and tourists. Some will be eating traditional food like “burek” and “cevapi”, while others will be heading to watch a film at the Sarajevo Film Festival.
What is your dream job/career?
My dream job is to become a sports medicine physician. I intend to use my experiences as an athlete to help others who are training to compete at a high level.
What extracurricular activities or service activities do you participate in?
At Middlebury, I volunteer weekly as a care assistant in the emergency room of Porter Medical Center. I am fortunate enough to be able to help those in need and support patients as they go through their current experiences.
On top of this, I have become a bridge between sport and humanitarian service. I recently ran the 2025 RBC Brooklyn Half Marathon and hosted an on-campus 3v3 soccer tournament to raise money for the Red Cross in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was able to raise over $8,300 and became the first member of the Bosnian diaspora in history to do a campaign with the organization. This past summer, I interned in Bosnia and Herzegovina and saw how the funds were used to aid communities
in need. I am currently working on my next campaign and will be releasing that shortly in the Spring 2026 term. Check my Instagram for more details! @alemm.mh
Looking back on your college years, what are you most proud of?
I am most proud of my personal growth. Coming into college as a first-generation student and the son of refugees, I did not know what to expect. I was worried that the 900-mile distance from home and the different social environments at school would negatively impact me. While it was difficult in the beginning, this change inspired me to grow and see the impact I can make in the world. I developed a passion for helping others, community service, and being goal-driven. These qualities have enabled me to succeed academically and extracurricularly, and they will continue to guide me well beyond graduation.
What’s your go-to warmup song?
Babylon – Jala Brat and Buba Corelli
What internships/research projects have you participated in?
During the summer after my sophomore year, I interned at Northwestern University in the Diversity in Cancer Research program, working in a pediatric leukemia lab. This experience really confirmed my passion for science and medicine. On top of this, I had an incredible experience as a summer intern for the Red Cross in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina. I was able to learn about the impact of athletics for humanitarian good, personally see the difficult situations communities are forced to live in, and ultimately witness the smiles and joy when I use the funds raised to help them. Both of these experiences motivated me to continue pursuing medicine while also valuing public health and community!
What is the greatest lesson you have learned from being a student-athlete?
The greatest lesson I have learned as a member of the Middlebury Men’s Soccer team is the importance of having a team-first mindset. It is important to understand that success in team sports isn’t solely about individual awards and playing time, but actually relies on how you contribute to the group as a whole. On the field, this involves supporting my teammates and boosting the confidence of others around me. Off the field, it leads me to support my teammates through potential hardships and motivate others to make positive contributions.
What is your favorite place on your campus?
I am a huge fan of “The Grille”. You probably will see me there often catching up with friends, playing pool, or struggling with an Organic Chemistry problem set. I oftentimes find myself doing a mixture of all
three.
What is something you enjoy doing when not in class or competing in your sport?
I enjoy training and running in races! In Bosnia and Herzegovina, I was able to race a few times over the summer, which were amazing experiences. I look forward to running some more races in the Northeast while I am here at Middlebury!
