Sunday, July 9, 2017

Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Collectively, it is these individuals who make the GNAC one of the top NCAA Division II athletic conferences in the nation.

Name: Rob Vance
Sport: Baseball
School: Concordia University
Hometown: Chino, Calif.

Colleges Attended: Mt. Hood Community College, Pacific University (undergraduate), Portland State University (graduate)

College Degrees: Bachelor's degree in physical education, with minors in health education and coaching, and a master's degree in exercise and sports science.

Why Did You Become A Coach: I love competing, I love teaching and teaching athletic skills. I love the challenge of molding a team.

Who Has Influenced You The Most As A Coach - Either As An Inspiration, A Mentor Or Philosophically: My mother. She raised two boys on her own after my father passed away. My high school coach, Tom Neibergall. He taught me how to compete intensely. My college coach at Pacific, Chuck Bafaro. He taught me not to not only coach, but mentor young men. Pat Bailey, the former George Fox head coach and current Oregon State assistant head coach. Terry Pollreisz, the former University of Portland head coach and former coach in the Seattle Mariners organization.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome As A Coach: Finding "my" way of doing things.

What Does Division II Mean To You: It is a more noticeable brand to potential recruits and the NCAA provides structure and guidance.

Extracurricular Activities: Exercising and fitness, bike riding, music, home improvement projects.

Best Advice You Would Give To Student-Athletes: Find a school that is the right fit and one that wants you to play for them. After that, believe in yourself!

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): Rod Dedeaux, the former USC head baseball coach. He was not only a legendary coach who won 11 national titles, but he helped develop the idea of the College World Series.

Favorite Sports Teams: Indianapolis Colts and the Los Angeles Angels

Favorite Athlete: Cal Ripken

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moments: I have a few. In high school, it was hitting a last second jump shot to win a game. In 2004, when Concordia won the regional tournament and advanced to the NAIA World Series. Then, in 2013, we had a 10-inning walk-off win in the NAIA West Region Championship game to advance again to the postseason.