Thursday, August 3, 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: Madeleine Arbuckle
Sport: Gymnastics
College: Alaska Anchorage
Year: Senior
Major: Environmental Studies
Hometown: Winnipeg, Man.

Extracurricular Activities: Hiking, Cooking, Photography, Rock Climbing

Why Did You Choose To Attend Alaska Anchorage: I chose to attend UAA because I felt there was no better place to study the environment. The brand new gymnastics training facility and the welcoming team members also drew me to UAA.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: My favorite class I have taken in college was environmental planning and preparation. This was my favorite class because I learned so many practical skills that I have been able to utilize in everyday life, such as being a concerned citizen about the environment.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: My department is very small, with only four professors, so I have enjoyed getting to know and learning from all of them during my time at UAA.

Years Involved In SAAC: 3

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to get involved in SAAC because I wanted to make a positive impact on student-athletes’ overall experience at UAA. Being on SAAC gives me the platform to be able to represent my voice as well as other student athletes' opinions, concerns and desires.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: I would say our blood drive was memorable because it positively impacted lives of people we do not know, reaching far beyond the UAA community.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics: Over the years of having a busy schedule it is just important to prioritize your time and try not to get too overwhelmed with the school/athletics work balance.

Future Goals After School: Attend law school to practice environmental law.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Recovering from tearing my labrum in my shoulder during my freshman year.

Best Advice You Would Give To An Incoming Freshman: Everyone will say that college goes by quickly. They aren't kidding! Try to get involved in as many things as possible and experience everything that you can because you will only have this experience once.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): My great grandmother because I never got a chance to meet her. I have heard so much about her and I think I'd learn so much from her just in one day.

Favorite Sports Team: Winnipeg Jets

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Most of this last season was memorable for me because it was the first time I was able to compete in all events since my shoulder surgery!