Friday, December 11, 2020

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: Brooke Foster
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Northwest Nazarene University
Year: Junior
Major: Graphic Design
Hometown: Boise, Idaho

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene?: It provided me with the opportunity to balance my athletic and artistic passions.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was 3D Design. It allowed me to study art in the three-dimensional world and experiment with sculptures and installations.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: It’s a three-way tie among my art professors. They all work so hard to inspire me and encourage me to do my best.

Years Involved In SAAC: Four years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I think it is extremely important to give student-athletes the opportunity to be a part of the decision-making processes. We are the ones who are directly affected by the rules and regulations so our input is important and valid.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: Our Make-A-Wish event.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: It has taught me leadership skills and makes me passionate about having a voice in the sports community.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means having a good balance of sports and academics.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: To keep a schedule and get into a routine.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Battling with my mental health as a result of athletic pressure has been my biggest obstacle.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Going to beautiful places like Alaska.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: I was going to quit volleyball but I instead transferred to Northwest Nazarene. My decision to keep pushing and playing was memorable for me.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: I would limit the number of hours that coaches have to work with athletes. At my previous school, everything was nonstop and I had no time for my social life, academic life or mental health. I think there needs to be more focus on mental health.

Current Mentor(s): My mom and dad.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Don't put too much pressure on yourself.

If You 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 grandma when she was my age.

Extracurricular Activities: Art and listening to music.

Future Goals After Graduation: I want to go to art school in London.

Favorite Sports Team: Northwest Nazarene volleyball.

Favorite Athlete: My teammate, McKenzie Lee.

One Thing People Don’t Know About Me Is: I once saw Rihanna at a theme park.