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.
Name: Ashley Antoniak
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Seattle Pacific University
Year: Junior
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Litchfield Park, Ariz.
Why Did You Choose To Attend SPU?: I chose to attend Seattle Pacific University because I was really drawn to what the school stands for, being a Christian school with great academics. I also really liked the girls on the volleyball team and the location is stunning.
What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: My favorite class so far has been my marketing course because I really enjoy looking into different companies through case files and seeing what it is I can do that could improve the business.
Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Geri Mason. I enjoyed how passionate she was about economics and she was overall a great teacher.
How Many Years Have You Been Involved In SAAC?: Three.
Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I wanted to help be a factor in changing things in our athletic department for the better. Meaning, I wanted to add more of a community service emphasis. I also wanted to be a person that other athletes can go to with ideas - and then take those ideas and use them.
What Has Been The Most Memorable SAAC Activity?: A scavenger hunt we put on in fall 2020!
If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, What Would It Be?: All athletes should have a mental health day, at least once a month.
What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: I have learned that I have no time to waste. If I have any off time, I should use it to get my homework done.
What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: My biggest obstacle while being a college athlete has been not getting very much playing time. I had to really sit and think about being less selfish and more team-oriented. Changing my mindset to being about the team and realizing that every single one of us has a place on the team helped me get out of my little funk.
Who Is Your Current Mentor?: My dad has always been a huge mentor to me. One of the vice provosts at my school, Cindy Price, is also someone I look to for advice.
What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: Once I graduate, I hope to get my career started as an event planner!
What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: Traveling to Alaska and Canada!
If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: My great grandmother. She recently passed, but I would spend a day with her when she was my age. She was such a strong woman who did so many amazing things, so I think it would be cool to be friends with her when she was younger.
What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I like to watch movies with my roommates, bake cupcakes, go to coffee shops, farmers markets, and paddleboard.
