Friday, April 10, 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: Kayli Tran
Sport: Gymnastics
Institution: Seattle Pacific University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Visual Communications
Hometown: Rancho Santa Margarita, California

Why Did You Choose To Attend Seattle Pacific?: I chose to attend Seattle Pacific because I loved the small, close-knit community and have always loved Seattle. I also chose SPU because of the gymnastics team, which is more like a family than a team. I knew that the relationships and the way the girls support each other would make this school and this team a perfect fit for me.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class that I have taken so far was Purpose and Practice of Business because I learned a lot that I can apply to the real world. I learned how to take a different approach to the business world and how something like business can be used for good. I also enjoyed how passionate the professor was.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Dr. Don Lee. He made an effort to connect with students and make class engaging. He also made sure that his students understood his lessons by using different teaching methods and real-world examples.

Years Involved In SAAC: One year.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to become a SAAC member because I felt that it would be a great leadership opportunity and a way to connect with other student-athletes at SPU.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: My most memorable SAAC activity so far was when we volunteered at a local Boys & Girls Club.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Participating in SAAC will give me leadership and communication skills and experience working with a group of people to make things happen.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: I am living my dream, being a Division II student-athlete. It is something that I have worked for my entire life.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The most important thing I've learned about balancing the demands of athletics and academics is time management. I learned how to manage my time with the demands of schoolwork, gymnastics, time with friends and time for myself. I have especially learned how to make myself a priority because if I am my best self physically and mentally then I will perform better in both athletics and academics.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: So far in my collegiate career, I have been blessed to not have any significant setbacks, but I would say that the most difficult thing that I had to overcome in my collegiate career was when I couldn’t travel with the team last year.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: My most memorable sports-related moment was at our first meet this year, where I hit my first-ever college routine. It was rewarding to have my hard work pay off with my team supporting me.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Be positive and open-minded to all of the new experiences and people that you encounter during such a transformational and important time in your life.

Future Goals After Graduation: After graduation, I hope to get a job for a company that does good things for the community.

Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers.

Favorite Athlete: Shawn Johnson.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I've never been to Olive Garden.