Friday, August 30, 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: Ryan Stolys
Sport: Men’s Golf
School: Simon Fraser
Year: Junior
Major: Engineering Physics
Hometown: Richmond Hill, Ontario

Extracurricular Activities: Running, programming and playing squash.

Why Did You Choose To Attend Simon Fraser?: Simon Fraser University provided me with a unique opportunity of being able to remain in Canada and achieve a high-quality education in its engineering program while allowing me to compete in the NCAA against stronger competition. In Ontario, golf season only exists for six months out of the year. Moving out to the Vancouver area extended that season to year-round, providing me with the opportunity to grow in my sport.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why?: My favorite class was Introduction to C/C++ Programming. I had never programmed prior to this class and was apprehensive about how I would enjoy it. This class helped me to develop a new passion for programming, which led to my first co-op job where I worked as a software engineer.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor has been Jamie Mulholland, who taught me in calculus 1, 2 and 3. I came into SFU already enjoying calculus, but his method of teaching for understanding made learning new and challenging concepts much easier. Being in a smaller class with Dr. Mulholland really helped me to establish a strong foundation in calculus, which I know will be crucial when moving forward in my courses.

Years Involved In SAAC: One year.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: In my first year, some of my good friends were in SAAC. I looked up to the activities they were involved in and wanted to be involved as well. I also wanted to help improve the student-athlete experience at SFU and knew I could make a difference in doing so through SAAC.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics and Academics?: Free time is just planned procrastination. During my time at SFU, I have found that there is always something to do. Taking time off is important, but being able to determine how long it will take to complete tasks has allowed me to plan time more effectively into my life.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: I believe the slogan "Make It Yours" couldn't be more relatable for a Division II athlete. I know there will likely be life beyond my sport. Being in Division II has provided me with the opportunity to build skills that will benefit me in my future such as being involved with SAAC.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Adjusting to the higher level of competition within my team. My golf game wasn't good enough to be a top player on my team. Battling through the challenges that come with taking a step back and figuring out how to get better has been an obstacle that I am still overcoming.

Future Goals After School: I want to have a career where I am challenged every day to solve problems.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Be who you want to be. Going into university, everyone is scared of what it will be like, and for most people, you are introduced to a whole community of people that you've never met before. Being the person you want to be is never easier than at this point because it is a fresh start.

Favorite Sports Team: Toronto Maple Leafs.

Favorite Athlete: Jordan Spieth.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I played soccer growing up before getting into golf.