Friday, January 20, 2023

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: Audrey Rekedal
Sport: Rowing
Institution: Seattle Pacific
Year: Sophomore
Major: Political Science
Hometown: Pasadena, California

Why did you choose to attend SPU?: I was interested in the political science program and I had family that lived nearby.

What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why?: Introduction to Politics was my favorite because the class was driven by discussions and we talked about relevant issues.

Who is your favorite professor so far and why?: Ruth Ediger is my favorite professor so far. She is understanding and willing to work with students. Her assignments are organized and easy to follow and she does half-lecture and half-discussion styles in class. She has political views but does not teach from a biased perspective. She is open to hearing any new opinions.

How many years were you involved in SAAC?: This is my first year.

What is your most memorable SAAC activity to date?: Making 'Operation Christmas' boxes, where we assemble shoeboxes to gift to children. This year, we made 51 boxes to donate.

How do you feel participating in SAAC will help you in life after you graduate?: SAAC pushes me outside my comfort zone by being able to meet and work with people from other teams. This relates a lot to many work environments.

What is the biggest obstacle you have overcome during your collegiate career?: The biggest obstacle that I have overcome so far is learning that comparing myself to other athletes on my team doesn’t help me get better. There is such a thing as healthy competition, but it’s okay to not always be the best.

What does it mean to you to be a Division II student-athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete means that you have to be able to show up and work hard, but it's also about having fun.

What are your future goals after you graduate?: I would like to get my master's degree or go to law school. I also want to work in some form of advocacy.

What is the best advice you would give to an incoming freshman?: I would say don’t take everything too seriously and don’t be hard on yourself. It’s okay to fail and make mistakes. It won’t be the end of the world. Instead, it's an opportunity to learn and grow. Also, be able to stand up for yourself.

What is your most memorable sports-related moment so far?: My favorite sports-related moment would have to be going to the national championship in Florida last year. We placed fourth in the varsity four race and sixth in the team standings.

If you could spend the day with one person (past or present), who would it be (and why)?: Simone Biles. I love her drive and work ethic as an athlete. But she also showed bravery in stepping down from the Tokyo Olympics to prioritize her mental health.

Favorite Sports Team(s): UCLA gymnastics or the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Favorite Athlete: Ali Raisman.

What is one thing that people don't know about you?: I love all of the arts (i.e. drawing, painting, dancing, musicals).