Friday, March 20, 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: Lewis Coates
Sport: Men’s Soccer
Institution: Concordia University
Year: Junior
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Leicester, England

Why Did You Choose To Attend Concordia?: I chose to attend Concordia because I wanted to play collegiate soccer at a high level while also getting an education. Concordia was an easy choice for me because it offered the degree that I wanted and it’s close to where I currently live with my family in Portland.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was Principles of Marketing. My professor made learning fun and gave us insight into all of the possibilities of career avenues.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is Dr. Alain Gracianette. He deeply cares about his students and their interests. He invests time to help everyone and has always been there when I seek advice.

Years Involved In SAAC: Two years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to get involved in SAAC because I was informed that it was a great program. A former teammate recommended that I join SAAC to take his place since he was graduating. I am passionate about giving back whenever I can, so hearing that SAAC gave back to the community interested me.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: My most memorable SAAC activity to date was the Cavy Awards. The Cavies are awards that are given to student-athletes at the end of the year. It's called the Cavies because the Dundies from “The Office” inspired us.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: I feel that SAAC will help me in life after I graduate because I am passionate about caring for all student-athletes. No matter what sport we play, we are all going through similar situations and have internal and external factors that put stress on us. Competing is what keeps us going.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means a lot to be a Division II student-athlete. I feel a sense of accomplishment and pride. At the end of the day, I am happy and fortunate to have a chance to play at this level. My experience at Concordia was great while it lasted and I will cherish all of the memories that I made.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The most important thing I have learned about balancing the demands of athletics and academics has been setting my priorities. If I want to be successful, I know that I need to invest time in both areas. I'm not the type of person who can just show up and perform well on and off the field. Without athletics and academics keeping me grounded, I’m not sure where I’d be.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: The biggest obstacle overcome was during this season. It was the first time in my life that I didn't get a lot of playing time. It's hard for a coach to change the lineup when the team is doing well, and that was the case for me. I had to sit on the bench for most of the season and although it was tough, I never dropped my head. I remained positive and still competed. I wanted to set a good example for the younger players on how to react when things don't go your way.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: My favorite part about being in the GNAC is the competition. I enjoy traveling and playing in an intense atmosphere.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: My most memorable sports-related moment was when my hometown’s professional team, Leicester City FC, won the English Premier League against the greatest odds in sports history at 5000-1. I flew back to England and watched Leicester lift the trophy. It was one of the most memorable days of my life.

Current Mentor(s): Dr. Alain Gracianette.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: The best advice I'd give to incoming freshmen is to take pride in their coursework and to strive for the best grades possible. Maintaining a good grade point average and building strong relationships with professors will benefit them throughout college and after graduation. I would also advise freshmen to say "Yes" to as many extracurricular activities, events and other opportunities.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: If I could spend the day with one person it would be David Beckham. He was one of my favorite players to watch while growing up and he represents himself well. It would be a cool and fun day to see how someone like him lives.

Extracurricular Activities: Hiking, working out, watching movies and hanging out with friends.

Future Goals After Graduation: My goal is to land a job with a company that represents itself well in the community and has prestigious ambitions to grow and cultivate. I hope to work for an organization where my experiences and passions will allow me to thrive.

Favorite Sports Team: Leicester City Football Club.

Favorite Athlete: Jamie Vardy.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I've always fantasized about becoming a Hollywood actor.