Friday, February 12, 2016

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. Click here for more information on the function of SAAC at the NCAA level.

Name: Amanda Ditzhazy
School: Western Oregon
Sport: Cross Country / Track & Field
Year: Senior
Major: Communication Studies
Hometown: Federal Way, Wash.

Extracurricular activities: SAAC co-chair, organizing student Thank-a-Thon, and helping with events such as Athletic Hall of Fame Dinner, and the athletic auction.

Why did you choose to attend WOU? To be able to participate in my sport. Also to get the academic services I need such as small classroom sizes in order to excel academically.

What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why? Human Sexuality because Professor Sean Sellers is so outgoing and hilarious. Also, I learned more than I thought I would and enjoyed coming to class.

Who is your favorite professor you've had in college and what did you enjoy about learning from him or her? Professor Molly Mayhead when I learned about critique of public discourse.

Years involved in SAAC: Two years.

The reason I chose to get involved in SAAC: My teammates encouraged me and I knew it would be smart to get involved in the community and the university. To learn more about the athletic department and how it all works. It has helped me network more as well.

Most memorable SAAC activity: Helping at the Jog-a-thon at Ash Creek Elementary School in the fall.

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics? Be organized and communicate clearly with coaches/professors.

What does it mean to be a Division II student-athlete? You get out as much as you put in. Truly "make it yours."

Current mentor: Randi Lydum.

Future goals after school: Continuing for a fifth year to use my athletic eligibility, then get my MBA.

Biggest obstacle overcame during collegiate career: Dealing with the stress of transferring as a sophomore and creating a whole new family at WOU.

Best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: Be yourself. Make lots of friends in different groups.

Favorite sports team: Seattle Seahawks.

Favorite athlete: Kara Goucher.

Most memorable sports-related moment: Our bus breaking down in the middle of nowhere late at night on our way home from Nampa, Idaho after indoor championships and the women having to join the men’s bus.

One thing that people don't know about me is: I wish I had more time to go backpacking.