Friday, January 13, 2023

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com will occasionally use this space to gain insight into the experiences of former GNAC student-athletes who were active participants in their institutional Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC). Each institution's SAAC serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within conferences, and at the national level.

Name: Jasmine Miller
Sport: Women's Basketball
Institution: Western Oregon
Graduating year: 2018
Undergraduate degree: Business | Minor in Sports Management
Graduate degree: Masters of Education and Information Technology from the Western Oregon University

What is your current occupation?: I am the assistant athletic director for compliance and student services at Western Oregon University.

How many years were you involved in SAAC?: All four years!

What activity/project are you most proud of from your time in SAAC?: We started the Wolfies, which is the annual all-department student-athlete banquet.

What has been your biggest takeaway from SAAC?: The importance of connections! Getting to know other student-athletes, coaches, administration, support staff, and staff on your campus. The connections help your student experience but also help you in the long run. You learn just how much your voice as a student-athlete matters and just how much power it has.

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman in college?: Don't be afraid to put yourself out there! Meet new people, join clubs and get involved! You are going to meet many different types of people and have so many new experiences in college. Don't be afraid to try new things. Yes, trying new things can be scary, but the growth you get from putting yourself out there is so worth it.

What is one thing that you wish you would have done more of in college?: I wish I would have been more involved!