Friday, October 5, 2018

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: Krista Montague
Institution: Montana State University Billings
Years at Institution: 16
Hometown: Hysham, Montana

Colleges Attended: Montana State University Billings

College Major/Degrees: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Marketing Option; Master of Science in Public Relations.

Why Did You Decide To Work In Collegiate Athletics: As a business major, I always thought I would have a career at a bank or financial institution. It was when I had a part-time summer job selling corporate partnerships for MSUB athletics that I caught a glimpse of what it takes to be behind the scenes in collegiate athletics and loved it. Selling the benefit of sports and higher education came easy to me. I knew I wanted to be a part of something that helps give other people an opportunity to play the sport they love at a high level while earning a quality education. The same opportunity provided to me once.

Who Has Influenced You The Most As A Professional - Either As An Inspiration, A Mentor Or Philosophically: There are so many it’s hard to choose just one. Certainly my previous athletic director, Dr. Gary Gray, who always believed in me as a small town Montana girl. He taught me so much about college athletics and just life in general. I would not be in this role today had he not taken a chance on me. Our current coaches and staff continue to inspire me. When I see them working hard, I want to work even harder for them to hopefully help them continue to move their program or area forward, as well as help them meet their professional and life goals.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome As A Professional: When I applied for a full time job in the MSUB athletics department the first time and didn't get it. It was a humbling experience; however I didn't let it stop me from applying a second time, which then led to earning a position in marketing and development.

What Does Division II Mean To You: Being able to do all things which help make for a well-rounded individual: school, compete at a high level, give back to the community and maintain a healthy social life with family and friends.

Extracurricular Activities: Following two teenage daughters in all their activities, city league basketball, spending time in the Beartooth Mountains, spending time on the Sarpy Creek and spending time with family and friends.

Best Advice You’d Give To Student-Athletes: Be authentic. It is important to be humble and kind, but you should always be yourself and never apologize for that. People will have more respect for you when you are real.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): Not one certain person comes to mind. I have never really had an affinity for "famous" people - so if I had to pick it would probably someone from my family, or maybe an old Norwegian fisherman to learn more about the heritage of the country my ancestors come from. I like to believe each person in my life (both past and present) is unique and brings their own perspective, and that we can learn from anyone at any time.

Favorite Sports Team: The MSUB Yellowjackets, of course!

Favorite Athlete: Bobbi Knudsen, MSUB 'Jacket from 2010-2014.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: My senior year on the women's basketball team at MSUB (1999) winning the PacWest Conference championship tournament (on the road).  Then the following week winning the NCAA Division II West Regional Championship at UC Davis, leading to the program's first NCAA Division II Elite Eight appearance.