Friday, October 13, 2017

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: Sara Madden
Sport: Cross Country, Indoor & Outdoor Track and Field
School: Western Oregon University
Year: Senior
Major: Social Science with a history focus, sports leadership minor
Hometown: Kent, Wash.

Why Did You Choose To Attend Western Oregon: I thought it would be a great opportunity and fun experience.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: America and the Cold War, because I was able to look at sports in a completely new and historical way.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: Professor Kimberly Jensen because she always encourages students to research interesting and unusual topics, she teaches students the reality of history rather than it's glorified versions.

Years Involved In SAAC: First year.

The Reason I Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: It is a wonderful community-driven athletic opportunity that I wanted to be a part of.

If I Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: Revise the list of banned substances.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics: Time management and hard work. Student-athletes need to be extremely organized, dedicated and driven to be able to accomplish all that they do.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: It means that you are a not only a role-model and leader but also have an amazing opportunity to experience a lifestyle that the majority of people around the world will not get to experience.

Current Mentor(s): Various professors, my coaches, and some older friends.

Future Goals After School: Pursue a career that allows me to become involved in both sports and history.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Injuries.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Never give up. Even if training or balancing school and athletics seem challenging, you will get the hang of things soon.

If I Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): Emma Watson. I would want to ask her questions about her life as an actress (especially with the Harry Potter films) and about her success as a woman in multiple areas of her life.

Favorite Sports Team: Pittsburgh Steelers

Favorite Athlete: Allyson Felix

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: When our men's distance medley relay (DMR) placed first in nationals and broke the national record.

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: My favorite TV show is Monk.