Friday, December 1, 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 institution's 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-athlete’s lives on NCAA member campuses.

Name: Reid Rasmussen
Sport: Baseball
Institution: Central Washington University
Year: Junior
Major: Bachelor- Physical Education and School Health / Master - Sports Athletic Admin
Hometown: Selah, Washington

What has been your favorite class and why: Exercise Science 350 has been my favorite class so far because we got to work on and examine cadavers in labs and learned about muscles, nerves, tendons, and bones.

Why did you choose to attend Central Washington: I chose to go to CWU for a couple of reasons. For me, it’s close to home and I have a family history at CWU. I have uncles in the basketball hall of fame at CWU and both of my cousins play basketball here at CWU as well. Overall, I just love the community.

Years involved in SAAC: 1

What has been the most rewarding about being a part of SAAC: Meeting and getting to know other student-athletes. I enjoy creating new connections and seeing other perspectives. Additionally, the 2023 SAAC retreat was an awesome experience.

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics: That time is precious, and you need to be balanced and organized to do the things you want in your free time.

Most memorable sports-related moment: Pitching a “Complete-Game” against Saint Martin’s my sophomore year, I was battling the flu and got pitcher of the week. On top of that, our team swept Saint Martin’s.

My favorite thing about being part of the GNAC and NCAA DII are: The support and relationships I have with our athletic department and the close-knit programs and institutions there are across the United States at the DII level.

The best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: Get involved with the community and athletic department, and grow your connections. The best thing you can do is network and build relationships.

What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome during your collegiate career: During my second year I endured an injury and had to sit out. Injuries are mentally exhausting and that can create a mental and physical block that is hard to overcome.

What hobbies/passions do you have outside of your sport: In my free time I enjoy golfing, hunting, fishing, hiking, and working out.

Future goals after graduation: Become a P.E. Teacher and eventually be an Athletic Director at a high school or college.

Podcast or book that I recommend to other student-athletes: Relentless by Tim Grover. This book teaches the grit and work ethic the greats like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant have that give you the ultimate edge. While dealing with mental adversities this is a great book for those in need of a mental mind switch.