Friday, February 1, 2019

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: Keesha Sarman
Sport: Women’s Basketball
School: Concordia
Year: Senior
Major: Biology
Hometown: Union, Oregon

Why Did You Choose To Attend Concordia: I chose Concordia University primarily because of basketball and my coach. I also enjoyed the small campus and location.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why: Injury Prevention and Care was my favorite class. I learned the different ways to prevent and care for athletes with injuries. This class also highlighted the importance of emergency action plans and trainers being correctly trained and equipped. I found this class both interesting and fun.

Years Involved In SAAC: Four years. 

The Reason I Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I didn’t know what SAAC was as a freshman, but my coach chose me to be a representative.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: The SAAC Retreat in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Favorite part of the GNAC SAAC Retreat: Visiting Chena Hot Springs.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics and Academics: The importance of time management.

What Does It Mean To Be A Division II Student-Athlete: A Division II student-athlete means dedication and hard work. It’s something people should be proud of being a part of.

Current Mentor(s): My coaching staff, my professors and my mom and dad.

Future Goals After School: After school, I plan to go to graduate school to become a speech and language pathologist. I’d also like to pursue my dream of coaching women’s basketball.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Just be yourself and take advantage of all the opportunities college gives you. Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Make mistakes but learn from them.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be: Ellen DeGeneres because she brings so much happiness to the people around her and she’s hilarious.

Favorite Sports Team: San Francisco 49ers.

Favorite Athlete: Michael Jordan.Highlight 

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Winning the state championship in softball my sophomore year of high school.

One Thing That People Don’t Know About Me: I’m claustrophobic.