Sunday, June 11, 2017

Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Collectively, it is these individuals who make the GNAC one of the top NCAA Division II athletic conferences in the nation.

Name: Jamie Stevens
Sport: Men’s Basketball
School: Montana State University Billings
Hometown: Grants Pass, Ore. 

College(s) Attended: Montana State University Billings 

College Majors & Degree(s): B.A History; M.A. Sports Management

Why Did You Become A Coach?: I had a great experience as a college athlete and, when my career was over, I wanted to be around the college game. I love the opportunity to help give future student-athletes the same experience I received.

Who Has Influenced You The Most As A Coach – Either As An Inspiration, Mentor, Or Philosophically?: I have taken a little from every coach I have either had or worked with. I have had great experiences with several coaches and to single one out would not be true. I am learning as much from my current assistants on a daily basis as I have with all of the previous coaches. Our staff really believes that we have things to learn every day from the experiences we have within this great profession.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome As A Coach: I have been really fortunate to work with great people and have been lucky to get jobs that I want and enjoy. Many times the biggest obstacle has been myself. This is why my staff and I are always trying to learn and do things within our program with an open mind.

What Does Division II Mean To You? Not only have I coached at this level for 12 years, I also played my entire career at the Division II level. It is just a great opportunity for so many student-athletes. It is a great level of collegiate athletics and it's impact on so many has been awesome.

Extracurricular Activities: My three daughters ages, 12, 9, and 6.Mmy wife and I follow them to everything they do.

Best Advice You’d Give To Student-Athletes: You can't skip the process. You have to go through the lows when you are young, learn from them and get better. Many times you are faced with an internal question, fight though or quit. When given that opportunity, fight through.

If I Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be And Why? Obviously my wife. That's why I am married. I have a great coach’s wife who understands the profession and makes it easy for me to do my job. 

Favorite Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Dodgers and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Favorite Athlete: It rotates on a daily basis, but the athlete I always find myself defending and the guy who will always get me the most fired up when I hear people trashing him is Tony Romo.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: I hope it lies ahead of me in the future. My entire college career, however, was memorable. The people still in my life and the friends I have made would not have been possible without the entirety of that career.