Friday, November 27, 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: Spencer Boldt
Sport: Women’s Rugby
Institution: Central Washington University
Year: Senior
Major: Economics and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies
Hometown: Regina, Saskatchewan

Why Did You Choose To Attend Central Washington?: For the location and a different climate. I also liked the rugby program here for the culture it has established and the high-performance atmosphere.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: A political science class that dealt with sex trafficking around the world. It provided me with a perspective on the true tragedies going on all around us.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: Anne Cubilie, my academic adviser and thesis mentor. She inspired me to look into working for a nonprofit organization and encouraged me to apply for graduate school. She uses her personal knowledge and life experience to give her students a different learning environment, which I am very grateful for.

Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I wanted to have a voice when it comes to athletics and the ways athletes interact with each other and the rest of the school. I think it’s important for every sport to have a voice, so I wanted to be that voice for the women’s rugby team.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: On International Women in Sports Day, I went with a group of female student-athletes to an elementary school in Ellensburg. We were able to talk and interact with children of all ages. It was a wholesome activity and I thought it was important to bring awareness to a day that celebrates women’s athletics.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: I think that SAAC provides me with the ability to solve problems and work in large groups in a collaborative way. It teaches me how to manage my time, which will be applied later in life. The leadership skills also help when I’m with my team because I learn to lead in different ways.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: I’m proud and grateful because I know a lot of people would kill to be in my position but are unable to due to extenuating circumstances. It makes me happy to practice and play each and every day in such a supportive environment.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: It’s critical that I take some time for myself to just breathe and be human.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Having my season canceled due to COVID-19.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: The constant support.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Placing third at the 2017 Sevens National Championships.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: That each student-athlete only has a certain amount of years that they are eligible to compete in.

Current Mentor(s): Anne Cubilie, Laura Dahlby Nicolai and Trevor Richards.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Take it day by day and don’t be afraid to fail because that’s the only way you’re going to learn and grow as a player and person.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: Emma Watson. I’m a huge Harry Potter nerd and I also like that she pushes for equality and advocates for social issues.

Extracurricular Activities: Hiking and reading.

Future Goals After Graduation: Get a master’s degree and work for the United Nations.

Favorite Sports Team: The Los Angeles Lakers and the Black Ferns, New Zealand’s women’s national rugby team.

Favorite Athlete: Ghislaine Landry.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: My family owns an ice cream shop back home.