Friday, April 16, 2021

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: Amelia Motz
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage
Year: Senior
Degree: Master of Science in Global Supply Chain Management
Hometown: Canton, Ohio

NOTE: Motz transferred to Alaska Anchorage from Division I Iona College in 2019. She has been involved with SAAC at both schools.

Why Did You Choose To Attend Alaska Anchorage?: I wanted to live in a different part of the country and Alaska Anchorage had the graduate program I wanted to pursue.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was Conflict Management and Negotiation. I learned a lot about my own tendencies and realized that the only person I am competing with is myself.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor was Bonu Sengupta, chair of the economics department at Iona College. She taught me a lot about microeconomics and how things affect us more than we think. We have more power than we think by just taking control of our decisions.

Years Involved In SAAC: Four years. I was also in SAAC at my previous school.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I love to volunteer. I also like to vote on legislation. I feel like I have a say in the rules and regulations that affect my life every day.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: The Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) SAAC conference in Hoboken, New Jersey.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: It has taught me to take ownership and use my voice to make a change. I can also encourage my peers to use their voices as well.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means I get the best of both worlds. I can enjoy school and play the sport I love.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: I have learned that you have to make sacrifices that will pay off later.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: I broke my foot and got a concussion in the same season.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Being a part of one of the most competitive Division II conferences for women's basketball.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Winning the GNAC Championships.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: A travel day should not count as a day off.

Current Mentor(s): Tucker Neale and Ryan McCarthy.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Make the most of every opportunity you can in sports, school, your social life and your career.

Extracurricular Activities: I like to volunteer at the Alaska Food Bank, hike with friends and try new coffee shops.