Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes who are members of their respective institutions’ Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC). In addition to providing feedback on the student-athlete experience, conference and institutional SAAC members also offer input on the rules, regulations and policies that affect student-athletes’ lives on NCAA member institution campuses.

Name: Caitlin Wheeler
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Institution: Western Oregon University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Bend, Oregon

Why Did You Choose To Attend WOU?: For the basketball team and coaches, as well as the community on campus.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: Social Research Writing. It’s allowed me to become a better writer while learning about life behind bars.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Taryn VanderPyl because she’s straightforward, engaging and very understanding.

How Many Years Have You Been Involved In SAAC?: Two.

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I wanted to get involved with other student athletes on campus.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: The importance of time management and self care.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: Not having a season because of COVID.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means I hold a lot of authority in representing the NCAA.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: I want to attend law school.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: Get involved! Try to challenge yourself in meeting new people and trying new things.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: The unity we have in the conference.

What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?: Our team retreat this year.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: Steve Jobs. He is a model of productivity and I aspire for my work ethic to be just as great as his.

Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite Athlete: Dennis Rodman

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I am a third-generation WOU women’s basketball player!