Friday, April 13, 2018

Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Collectively, it is these individuals who make the GNAC one of the top NCAA Division II athletic conferences in the nation. 

Name: Gabe Lynn
Title: Digital Media & Sports Information Specialist
Institution: Simon Fraser
Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

Colleges Attended & Degrees: Simon Fraser University (Undergraduate, Communication with Print & Digital Publishing minor)

Why Did You Decide To Work In Collegiate Athletics: I decided to work in collegiate athletics because I have a passion for sports and for promoting the accomplishments of amateur athletes. It is a privilege for me to be around such dedicated and hardworking young men and women and it motivates me to do everything I can to share their stories with others. In addition, it is exciting to witness the growth and development that the student-athletes go through during their collegiate careers and knowing that I was a part of their experience is rewarding.

Who Has Influenced You The Most As A Professional - Either As An Inspiration, A Mentor, Or Philosophically: Aside from my parents, my colleague Steve Frost, sports information director at SFU, has had a big influence on me as a professional. After graduation, Steve provided me with the opportunity to do what I love at Simon Fraser and he has given me unwavering support throughout the 3-plus years we have been working together. I have learned a lot of important lessons from him and will always look to him for advice. I think it is also worth mentioning that I am continually amazed and inspired by the work of my counterparts across the GNAC. The expertise and commitment that this group of individuals bring is incredible and being a part of that has been extremely rewarding to me.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome As A Professional: The biggest obstacle I have had to overcome in my role at SFU is understanding that I cannot achieve perfection in every project that I am a part of. There is often not enough time in a day for me to work on everything I want to do, let alone spend multiple hours on one specific task to perfect it. Learning that sometimes I just need to “get the job done” has been a challenge for me but it is a valuable lesson for surviving in the field of athletic communications.

What Does Division II Mean To You: For me, NCAA Division II represents a balance between training as a high-caliber athlete and being a student working towards a degree. I think the Division II model really helps prepare student-athletes for life beyond their athletic careers. At SFU, not only are we proud to be Canada’s top comprehensive university but we also take great pride in being able to provide our student-athletes with a top-notch athletic experience and competition. As much as we celebrate the on-field accomplishments of our student-athletes, we put an emphasis on and recognize excellence in the classroom as well.

Extracurricular Activities: I grew up playing the clarinet so when I have time outside of work, I like to look for opportunities to perform with different groups and ensembles. Most recently, I was a member of the orchestra for a production of Beauty and the Beast put on by a local theatre company.

Best Advice You’d Give To Student-Athletes: The best advice I’d give to student-athletes is to get involved on campus and out in the community. Student-athletes have a platform and many resources available to them to make a difference in the world, so take advantage of it. Also, take the time to connect and establish relationships with athletes on other teams, with the department’s support staff, professors, and others – you never know how these connections might help you in the future. Finally, take nothing for granted. It is a privilege to be a student-athlete so enjoy the experience and make the most of it becomes it can go by very quickly.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be: Mike Babcock because he is a decorated hockey coach who has achieved success everywhere he goes and I want to know what his philosophy is outside of drawing the X’s and O’s.

Favorite Sports Team: All 17 teams at Simon Fraser!

Favorite Athlete: Roberto Luongo

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: My most memorable sports-related moment was from the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympic Games when Sidney Crosby scored the game-winning goal in sudden-death overtime to lift Canada to victory over the U.S. for the gold medal.