Thursday, July 27, 2023

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.

Why did you choose to attend SFU?: I chose SFU for its intensive kinesiology program as well as our amazing coaching staff. Gina has created the most unique team culture where we not only uplift and support each other on and off the court, but are also able to hold each other accountable, compete and push one another to be the best athletes and humans we can be. I also live pretty close by, so I can visit home often and its nice to have my family around to support at all my home games.

Who is your favorite professor so far and why?: My favourite professor thus far has been Sabrina Lee. Her dedication to her students is incredibly evident. Sabrina is always seeking our input on how to improve student experience and will always make herself available for us. I have been fortunate to have Sabrina teach me multiple courses as well as help foster an interest in biomechanics. I deeply appreciate her commitment to my academic experience and success at SFU.

How many years were you involved in SAAC?: Five years.

What made you want to be involved in SAAC?: I first wanted to get out of my comfort zone and meet other athletes from various sports. To be honest, I joined without much knowledge of what SAAC entailed, but I was pleasantly surprised to be joining a group of like-minded individuals with similar goals.

What is your most memorable SAAC activity to date?: We hosted a Special Olympics basketball game this past spring and it was such a fun and supportive environment to be part of. Our student athletes were such a lively crowd and it created an awesome atmosphere for the Special Olympics athletes!

How do you feel participating in SAAC will help you in life after you graduate?: SAAC has provided me with the chance to work on my leadership skills in diverse settings as well as engage with the local community.

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics?: You can't do it alone! Leaning on your teammates, coaches, family and resources available to you is essential to your success AND happiness. Student athlete demands aren't easy, but having a strong support network often gives you that extra encouragement you need sometimes. It is okay to ask for help when you need it :)

What does it mean to you to be a Division II student-athlete?: That is a loaded question haha. For the past 4 years, it has meant everything to me. Division II has given me the chance to play the sport I love, compete at a high level, travel to places I've never been, all while working towards a degree I am passionate about. Playing NCAA volleyball in Canada is truly unique and I have been so fortunate to experience it.

Who is a current mentor of yours?: Gina is a huge mentor of mine. Not only has she developed me into the volleyball player I am, but she has also stressed the importance of learning life lessons through sport. She encourages our team to have difficult conversations and fosters an environment where we can all be leaders. A goal of hers is for us to not only leave her program as better athletes, but also better people. I am so appreciative of the team culture and identity she has created as well as her support in my academic goals outside of volleyball.

What are your future goals for after graduation?: I have a goal of attending medical school in the near future and becoming a physician. I also have goals to try new things such as learning various sports and backpacking overseas.

What is the best advice you would give to an incoming freshman?:Get involved! It may seem scary to put yourself out there or you may feel overwhelmed with your academic and athletic responsibilities, but take advantage of the opportunities provided to you. It's cheesy, but you're only in college once and you're only a freshman once. Explore what you're curious about; join that club or go to that social!

What is your favorite thing about playing in the GNAC?: That our conference is very competitive. This pushes us to play our best volleyball every night and makes winning so much more rewarding!

What is your favorite sports-related moment?: Probably upsetting UAA at home last season! Anchorage had a very successful season and was undefeated in GNAC before we played them at home.