Friday, May 7, 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: Ryan Dearing
Sport: Baseball
Institution: Northwest Nazarene University
Year: Senior
Major: Youth Ministries
Hometown: Kennewick, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene?: I chose to attend Northwest Nazarene because I felt a calling for both baseball and ministry.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was History of Ancient Israel because it taught me to understand scriptures from different perspectives.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Dr. Stephen Riley. He is always in a good mood and willing to work with his students to ensure that they excel in the class and understand the material.

Years Involved In SAAC: Two years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I loved the idea of student-athletes being leaders in the community and not just within their respective sports.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: Just meeting other student-athlete leaders was a highlight for me.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Participating in SAAC puts things that happen off the field into perspective. I will now be ready for all types of situations that are thrown at me.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means that God put me right where he wants me.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: Prioritizing is important. I have to be able to prioritize to minimize stress and maximize performance on the field and in the classroom.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Being a transfer, I have had to take more credits each semester than most student-athletes. Balancing athletics, school and a normal life has been the hardest challenge.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: The local competition.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: The team chemistry we built last year before the season abruptly ended.

Current Mentor(s): Sean Rooney.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: There is a community out there for you. You just need to go out and find it.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would spend the day with Jesus. I would gain a lot of wisdom from that conversation.

Extracurricular Activities: I enjoy hunting and playing disc golf.

Future Goals After Graduation: I want to join the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Mariners.

Favorite Athlete: Jackie Robinson.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I can solve a Rubik’s Cube.