Saturday, August 1, 2015

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.

Nicole Bathe
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Cross Country (Running/Skiing)
Junior
Madison, Wisconsin

College major: Social work and criminal justice

Why did you choose to attend Alaska: I chose to attend UAF because, being from Wisconsin, Alaska sounded like a great opportunity to explore something new and try new outdoor activities.

What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why? My favorite class I have taken was called social work ethics. We learned about the National Social Workers Association’s ethics book and the different ethics you are held to as a social worker. I also really enjoyed the professor; she was very knowledgeable and hands on.

Who is your favorite professor you've had in college and what did you enjoy about learning from him or her? Kim Swisher. She was extremely knowledgeable and made learning interactive and easy. She also used many different ways of teaching -- from lectures to videos – and made learning fun.

Years involved in SAAC: Two

The reason I chose to get involved in SAAC: Was to better the student athlete experience at our school.

Most memorable SAAC activity: Nanook Olympics, where we get the whole student athlete population together to compete in each other’s sports. We spend the day playing mini games of each sport at our school; it is an amazing event and a ton of fun for all involved. Our president, Kryston McPhetres, came up with the idea last year and it was a hit!Highlight

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics? Scheduling has been a huge learning aspect for me, I have learned how to manage my time and make sure that everything that needs to be done gets done.

What does it mean to be a Division II student-athlete? It means to excel in both athletics and academics.

Future goals after school: To work in child protective services and help children dealing with domestic violence issues.

Biggest obstacle overcame during collegiate career: The biggest obstacle I have overcome so far in my collegiate career is last year I lost my long time coach back in Madison; he was a huge part of why I skied and the reasons I had success in my skiing life. He was also a great mentor outside of skiing. Losing him took a toll on me but also gave me a huge reason to keep skiing and to keep improving. 

Best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: To enjoy every experience good or bad. Time really does fly in college and enjoying the time you have and the opportunities you get will make school and sports that much more rewarding for you.

If I could spend the day with one person (past or present), who would it be (and why)? Hillary Clinton, because of how influential she is and how much she has pushed women’s rights forward.

Favorite sports team: Green Bay Packers

Favorite athlete: Aaron Rodgers

Most memorable sports-related moment: Being an All-American in cross country skiing at NCAA’s. It’s a moment I will never forget -- getting to stand on the podium and to see the joy and pride in my coaches’ faces was one of the best moments of my sports career.

One thing that people don't know about me is: I am afraid of balloons.