Friday, September 18, 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: Shannon Reny
Sport: Women's Basketball
Institution: Montana State University Billings
Year: Junior
Major: Health and Human Performance
Hometown: Libby, Montana

Why Did You Choose To Attend Montana State Billings?: I chose to attend Montana State Billings because it felt like home. I knew I would have the opportunity to continue my education while getting to play basketball at a high level in an incredibly unique conference.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class I have taken was People and Politics. Learning about political theory during these turbulent times in our country was incredibly interesting.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: Dr. Alex Shafer is supportive of my drive on the court and in the classroom. I love his tendency to get extremely excited during lectures and go off on crazy tangents.

Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I thought that SAAC seemed like a cool opportunity for me to be involved on campus and in the community.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: My favorite activity was the Make-A-Wish game during my freshman year. Getting to meet all of those people and their families was a lot of fun. I left the gym that night having made a few lifelong friends who will forever have a special place in my heart.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Participating in SAAC has prepared me to effectively communicate with a wide range of people to accomplish tasks and do good for those around us. I have made invaluable connections that will serve me well after I graduate.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Getting to represent such a diverse conference.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Take it all in because it goes by fast.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would spend the day with Maya Angelou so I can pick her brain about civil rights and poetry and have a small glimpse of the way she viewed the world.

Future Goals After Graduation: After graduation, I am excited to continue my education at a physical therapy school and one day work in a sports therapy clinic.

Favorite Sports Team: The Seattle Storm and the U.S. women's national soccer team.

Favorite Athlete: Megan Rapinoe.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I have played the violin since I was four years old.