Friday, July 5, 2019

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: Aubrey Stanton
Sport: Volleyball
School: Western Oregon University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Camas, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Western Oregon: I love the campus and the fact that it is close to home.  I also love the class sizes, my team and the fact that I get to continue playing the sport I love.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: Intro into criminal justice because I found it super interesting and really enjoyed the topics we were learning about.  It also helped me realize that I want to major in criminal justice.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You’ve Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Them: So far, Dr. Melissa Cunningham.  She taught in a way that helped me excel in the class and was super organized which helped me as a student and stay on top of all the assignments in her class.

Years Involved In SAAC: This will be my first! 

The Reason I Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I want to get involved with as many things as I can and this seems like a good way to get my voice out there and make a positive impact in the school and community.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: Let teams practice with their coaches more during the off-season.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics and Academics: I have learned time management and how to stay on top of tasks.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: You work hard every day in the gym and classroom to be able to compete at a high level of athletics for your team, coaches, yourself and everyone who has supported you. 

Current Mentor(s): My club volleyball coach.

Future Goals After School: Work in the criminal justice field, maybe in rehabilitation.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Dealing with missing classes and getting behind on school work for travel games.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Work super hard and have a positive attitude because everyone will notice your effort.  Also stay on top of school work, getting a planner or making to-do lists can help you a lot.

Favorite Sports Team: Olympic women’s volleyball team.

Favorite Athlete: Alisha Glass.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Competing at nationals my senior year of high school against some of the best players in the country.