Saturday, July 29, 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: Carly Parker
Sport: Women's Basketball
School: Northwest Nazarene
Year: Junior
Major: Kinesiology - Sports Management
Hometown: Pocatello, Idaho

Extracurricular Activities: I participate in and referee intramurals throughout the year.

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene: I chose to attend Northwest Nazarene University because of the opportunity I had to participate in athletics. I also like being able to attend a university that has the same common Christian values as I have and the small community that you experience there.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why?: My favorite class that I have taken was my Outdoor Pursuit class. I enjoyed how the class was hands on. In the class, we learned how to rock climb and then we went to Nampa Recreation Center and learned how to kayak.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: Professor Scott Kinnaman is just all around a good professor. I enjoy the way he teaches and how he cares for each and every one of his students. He wants to see his students succeed in both academics and athletics.

Years Involved In SAAC: 2

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: The opportunity I get to meet new people and the leadership value it holds. I also like the opportunity to have an impact on college athletics.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: My most memorable SAAC activity happened this past year when we were raising money for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. It was great to see all of our members there to help collect money. It was also memorable to see everyone at the game so willing to donate to the cause.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: I would like to see the one-and-one shot come back to women's basketball instead of the automatic two shots at five fouls.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics: I have learned the importance of time management between my athletics, academics and social life.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: I get to compete at the college level at the same time as getting the small school atmosphere.

Current Mentors: My coaches Steve Steele, Elpidia Allen and Laci Effenberger.

Future Goals After School: Staying involved in athletics and coaching kids.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Having to deal with having four head coaches in one year.

Best Advice You Would Give To An Incoming Freshman: Learn how to use your time wisely. Find a good balance for athletics, academics and social life.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): Pat Summitt. She is so inspirational to both the basketball world and to life in general.

Favorite Sports Team: Utah Jazz

Favorite Athlete: Maya Moore

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: When my coach got knocked out by the referee the last 30 seconds of one of our games.

One Thing That People Don't Know About You Is: I am an ice cream fanatic.