Tuesday, July 11, 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: Kary Whitney
Sport: Men’s Soccer
School: Seattle Pacific
Year: Junior
Major: Family & Consumer Services: Individual & Family Development
Hometown: San Diego, Calif.

Why Did You Choose To Attend Seattle Pacific: For the location, opportunity, and for the character and history of the men's soccer program at Seattle Pacific.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College & Why: Children & Families.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You have Had In College & What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her: Sharleen Kato (professor of family & consumer services). I appreciate her passion and understanding of what the students are going through.

Years Involved In SAAC: 2

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: To become a better leader on the field and off, to get more involved in athletics and gain experience in the sports department for potential future career interests.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: Helping at the Ballard Community Dinner.

If You Chould Change One NCAA Rule, it Would Be: Providing year round support for the athlete with more resources in finding a job rather than going professional.

What Is The Most Important Thing You Have Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics & Academics: To take care of your body and mind first. If you are going through something, or have suffered from trauma, academic and athletic performances will become difficult and could lead to more stress or mental illness.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: It means we are leaders off the field and we can translate that into our academics.

Current Mentors: My coach, Mark Collings, and my dad, Jimmy.

Future Goals After School: To somehow continue soccer, make an impact in the community and to follow my dreams.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Collegiate Career: During my sophomore year I had three deaths of people in my life. I suffered from bad decisions due to the confusion, stress and misdirection. I then tore my MCL in the winter quarter and had to drop out of the quarter because I refused to take a break to care for myself and dug myself a hole.

Best Advice You Would Give To An Incoming Freshman: College is what you make it. Be wise about your decisions and plan ahead. Friends will come and go here, but just keep trying new things and be vulnerable to the culture of the school. Immerse yourself in its environment so you can use ALL the resources available to help you get a job after college.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be And Why: My grandfather on my dad's side. My dad is the most caring man I know. He is responsible yet funny and loose. If I could meet the man who raised him I feel like I could have avoided some obstacles in my life.

Favorite Sports Team: Arsenal

Favorite Athlete: Thierry Henry

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Beating Seattle University this spring.