Wednesday, December 27, 2017

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: Kelsie Merritt
Sport: Softball
College: Concordia
Year: Senior
Major: Exercise and Sport Science
Hometown: Sparks, Nev.

Extracurricular Activities: Camping, spending time with family, physical therapy internship, Fellowship of Christian Athletes

Why Did You Choose To Attend Concordia: I chose Concordia because they have a great exercise sports science program that will prepare me for my future in physical therapy. I also wanted to finish out my softball career with my older sister, Karlie.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: Kinesiology. The material was super interesting and I had a great professor that made everything easy to understand.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: My favorite professor so far would probably be Dr. Cisco Reyes. I had a great relationship with him not only as a student but as an athlete as well. He taught me so much about coaching other athletes and made the classroom an enjoyable place to be.

Years Involved In SAAC: 3

The Reason I Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I wanted to be a voice for the athletes at my school. I also felt that joining SAAC was a great way to meet people from other teams.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: Probably the dodgeball tournament my teammate and I put on my sophomore year because all the teams dressed up in really fun costumes and it was a pretty big success.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics: I think the most important thing that I've learned is that sometimes you just have to set time aside on road trips to sit down and get your work done. You may be tired after games and just want to sleep, but having to cram it all in after you get off the bus late on a Sunday night is worse than taking an hour to get a good chunk of it done.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: Being a Division II student-athlete means setting an example for those around you. Putting in the work on and off the field that will make you successful in whatever career path you choose.

Current Mentor(s): My sister Karlie, My parents, Jade and Cindy, Cisco Reyes, Emily Kosderka, Meghan Luebbert (former Concordia teammate)

Future Goals After School: I hope to go to graduate school and obtain my Ph.D. in physical therapy.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: Having to transition a new coach in with three weeks before the season started.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Work hard and take advantage of the time you have been given. Don't take anything for granted. It goes by way faster than you think.

If I Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): I would want to spend the day with my twin cousins who passed away before any of our family got the chance to meet them.

Favorite Sports Team: San Francisco Giants

Favorite Athlete: Hunter Pence

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Knocking out the top-ranked team in the country to get to the NAIA World Series my freshman year.

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: I used to drag race when I was younger.