Friday, May 20, 2016
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: Janiel Olson
Sport: Women’s Basketball
School: Montana State Billings
Year: Senior
Major: Healthcare Administration
Hometown: Billings, Mont.
Extracurricular activities: Working, playing with my dog, volunteering to rescue dogs, volunteering, hiking, hunting and fishing.
Why did you choose to attend MSUB? Loved being close to home, loved the competition in the GNAC.
What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why? Evidence based research in healthcare - the class was extremely interesting and the professor was completely engaged in his students.
Who is your favorite professor you've had in college and what did you enjoy about learning from him or her? Dr. Cook. I have never met someone so dedicated to their students and he pushed them to learn. He is always so positive with feedback and excels at teaching hands on life lessons.
Years involved in SAAC: Five.
The reason I chose to get involved in SAAC: I joined SAAC to get deeper involved with MSUB sports and to be able to have a voice for MSUB in the GNAC and the NCAA.
Most memorable SAAC activity: Ice cream social at the beginning of the year because it is amazing to see all the athletes new and old.
What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics? Time management is crucial.
What does it mean to be a Division II student-athlete? Being able to get one, almost two degrees, while playing the sport I love.
Future goals after school: To play overseas, finish school and work for the Red Cross or in a hospital.
Biggest obstacle overcame during collegiate career: Blowing out my knee last season.
Best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: It goes by fast. Embrace it.
If I could spend the day with one person (past or present), who would it be (and why)? Kobe Bryant because he is just an amazing player.
Favorite sports team: UNC, Los Angeles Lakers and Green Bay Packers.
Favorite athlete: Kobe Bryant and Steph Curry.
Most memorable sports-related moment: Winning the GNAC.
One thing that people don't know about me is: I am left handed.