Wednesday, July 6, 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: Megan Dettling
Sport: Softball
School: Montana State Billings
Year: Sophomore
Major: Criminal Justice
Hometown: Reno, Nev.

Why did you choose to attend Montana State Billings?: I chose MSUB because they had what I wanted to study and the conference play if very competitive.

What is your favorite class you have taken in college and why?: Native Americans because I learned about a new kind of culture as I have the past five years for Spanish. It was amazing learning about these natives who would do anything to keep the land they have owned for centuries.

Who is your favorite professor you've had in college and what did you enjoy about learning from him or her?: My favorite professor would be my Spanish professor for both of my semesters of freshmen year. What I enjoyed learning from her was knowing all the little things I needed to know in the class and how to practice talking in Spanish without reading it off like I have done in the past.

Years involved in SAAC: Two. 

The reason I chose to get involved in SAAC: I wanted to make a difference and this is where I could start it ,especially being nominated to join SAAC.

Most memorable SAAC activity: When all the athletes in the committee talked about changing the drinking privileges for all teams and wanting to promote dry seasons.

What is the most important thing you've learned from balancing the demands of athletics and academics?: I've learned that you need to be on time and get everything done as soon as possible so you aren't rushing through and getting caught up with a sport event without having your homework done.

What does it mean to be a Division II student-athlete?: It means I represent the NCAA Division II as a student-athlete and I have high standards to fulfill as the year go on. I also have to make good decisions and be on top of my game for anything that happens.

Current mentor(s): Amanda Roark.

Future goals after school: I want to get my master's degree in criminal justice back in Reno while I am working in the police force. Once I graduate and have four years in on the police force, I can try out to join the FBI.

Biggest obstacle overcame during collegiate career: Learning how to manage your time in class, sports, study hall, friends, and sleep.

Best advice I’d give to an incoming freshman: Make sure you are ready for a wild ride because it will all hit you so fast in the face. You will become overwhelmed and nervous about the next three years you have at the school you are attending.

If I could spend the day with one person (past or present), who would it be (and why)?: I would spend it with my grandpa, who passed away my junior year of high school. I want him to see how far I have come in life. I want to be able to see him cry and give me the biggest hug so I know I have made him proud.

Favorite sports team: Boston Red Sox and Chicago Blackhawks

Favorite athlete: Dustin Pedroia

Most memorable sports-related moment: When I hit my very first home run in the championship game to move us on to state and not our rival school.

One thing that people don't know about me is: I am deadly in love with Harry Potter and can watch or read the stories every day.