Friday, December 7, 2018

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: Nik Reierson
Sport: Men’s Soccer
School: Seattle Pacific University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Duvall, Washington

Extra Curricular Activities: Hawaii club, intramural basketball, reading and hiking.

Why Did You Choose To Attend SPU: I chose to attend Seattle Pacific University because the culture of the school is positive and urges success from their students. From an athletic perspective, the winning culture of the men's soccer program appealed to me. Their high standards appealed to me as they offered a challenge for me and have allowed me to grow as a student, athlete and person.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: My favorite class I have taken in college is Introduction to Sociology because we tackled current social issues and had positive, engaging discussions about them. My professor was also very engaging and gave us an education on the topic from many different perspectives.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: Dr. Raphael Mondesir is my favorite professor I have had in college because he engaged us in relevant discussions that we could see in our everyday lives. He was thought-provoking and relatable making his class interesting and applicable to everyday life.

Years Involved In SAAC: One year. 

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I wanted to be a voice for student-athletes on campus and get involved in a leadership role at the school.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: Volunteering at the local Boys and Girls Club.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: It means using the platform you have been given to affect the community in positive ways.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics:  You must learn how to manage your time so you can stay on top of everything.

Current Mentor(s): Mark Collings, Erik Skipper, Jimmy Ward, Andy Machin.

Future Goals After School: To play professionally and eventually have a career as a physical therapist for elite athletes.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Dealing with adversity regarding wins and losses.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Seize every opportunity and live fully. Put everything you have into everything you do. Don't worry about failure, get lost in doing what you love.

Favorite Sports Team: Manchester United

Favorite Athlete: Dani Alves

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: National Signing Day

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: I also love basketball.