Friday, February 9, 2024

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: Adeline Berry
Sport: Swimming
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Year: Junior
Major: Business Administration, focus in Marketing
Hometown: Homer, Alaska

What has been your favorite class and/or professor and why: Social Media Marketing, with Tammy Tragis-McCook. As a class, we worked with a real-life client in Fairbanks and did a full analysis, market research, and content creation for a local bar’s social media and physical marketing.

Why did you choose to attend the University of Alaska Fairbanks: I chose UAF because of their College of Business and Security Management has such a strong push for opportunities and experiences for every single student, along with a well-connected and well-rounded athletic department.

Years involved in SAAC: 2

What has been the most rewarding about being a part of SAAC: For me, it’s being able to be a loud voice for my entire athletic department and make a change for a quieter and smaller university

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics: The balance between athletics and academics requires me to think through my weeks and days so I can keep a handle on everything. It genuinely prepares me for my career in the future and I truly appreciate it.

Most memorable sports-related moment: Standing behind the blocks of my 100 fly, sophomore year at the conference championship. Seeing my entire team at the end of my lane, cheering and supporting me through one of my most important races was unforgettable. My coaches were also so supportive, encouraging me to swim my best for myself and my team.

My favorite things about being part of the GNAC and NCAA DII are: The community that I get to be a part of. To have a voice amongst my peers, and the community who supports us.

The best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: Don’t be afraid to use your voice heard and be genuine. Both with your community, and most importantly with yourself.

What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome during your collegiate career: Looking at myself the same way I look at others is one of the biggest obstacles that I still struggle with. My body image has been one of the largest contributing factors to my health - both mentally and physically. I have been working with doctors and friends to see myself as an athlete and a human instead of nitpicking and judging my own body.

Current mentors: Lainey Lioi - my fellow captain of the swim team, and one of the biggest academic and athletic role models. One of the most driven people I know. Mari Høe-Raitto - my amazing mother, who does so much that I can’t even count how she has enough hours in the day. She came over from Norway to start her Ski/ dog mushing career in Alaska and has pushed me to be the best person I can.

What hobbies/passions do you have outside of your sport: Dog mushing, fishing, photography, and hiking.

One thing that people don't know about me is: I'm a Norwegian citizen, dual with USA, and I am a world champion dog musher.

Future goals after graduation: I want to start my own business in marketing, mainly digital marketing somewhere in Alaska and Norway.