Friday, April 24, 2020

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: Grace Bley
Sport: Track and Field
Institution: Seattle Pacific University
Year: Senior
Major: Exercise Science
Hometown: Puyallup, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Seattle Pacific?: I chose to attend Seattle Pacific because of the exercise science and track and field programs. I feel very fortunate to be at SPU because I transferred after my freshman year and my coaches took a chance on me.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class that I have taken was Coaching Seminar. I love learning about how to coach and I love the professor who taught the class.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor so far has been Dr. Jarrett Mentink. He is an amazing teacher because he is passionate and kind and wants you to succeed in and out of the classroom.

Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I was invited to join SAAC by a teammate and I wanted to get involved so I could help to lead and support my team.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: The student-athlete barbecue has been my most memorable SAAC activity because it was fun to serve the other athletes and have a relaxed time together.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Participating in SAAC has given me useful life skills such as working with others to reach a common goal.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete means that I have the opportunity to compete for my school while being dedicated to my studies.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The most important thing I've learned is to prioritize and take on one thing at a time.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: The biggest obstacle that I have overcome has been learning how to balance the demands of school and athletics.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Getting to know athletes from different schools and competing against them.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: My most memorable sports-related moment was winning the outdoor 200-meter title and the GNAC team title two years in a row.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: If I could change one NCAA rule, I would allow athletes to use GoFundMe accounts for emergencies.

Current Mentor(s): Audra Smith and Raul Sheen.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Live in the moment, even if life seems stressful at the time because four years go by fast.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would want to spend the day with Queen Elizabeth because I think the royal family is fascinating.

Extracurricular Activities: Reading, hiking and spending time with family.

Future Goals After Graduation: My goals after graduation are to be happy and find a career that allows me to have a positive impact on others.

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Seawolves.

Favorite Athlete: Allyson Felix.

One Thing People Don’t Know About Me Is: I love elephants.