Friday, June 2, 2017

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: Amanda Lance
Sport: Women’s Basketball
School: Western Washington
Year: Sophomore
Major: Business Marketing & Management
Hometown: Buckley, Wash.

Extracurricular Activities: Intern at College Works Painting, Member of the Student Alumni Association

Why Did You Choose To Attend Western Washington?: I chose to come to Western Washington mainly because of basketball. The team and coaching staff provided an ideal program with emphasis on family, community and academics. I knew I wanted to be a part of something that instilled the values I carried myself. On top of athletics, the community of Western and Bellingham is diverse and a place to be yourself. No matter who you are or what you like, you're welcomed with open arms. The professors and staff at WWU really work to help athletes cope with traveling and, in general, care about their students.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken In College And Why?: My favorite class so far has been the coaching development class, which helps students who want to coach one day understand the game of basketball, gain a philosophy and learn the basics of this side of the sport. I am currently an assistant coach for an AAU team and want to continue to coach. This class not only helped me become more of the coach I want to be one day, but changed the way I see the game as a player. The best topic was leadership. Coaching players only a few years younger than me was a challenge, but with insights from the professor, I was able to overcome the age challenge and become a coach they looked up to.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor You've Had In College And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor was my ENG 101 instructor, LeAnn Billmeyer. She took the opportunity to get to know all of us personally and asked us what kind of professor we needed her to be and how she could adjust for us to be successful. She turned a "boring" subject into something that would provide skills and knowledge every student would use in life, regardless of major. When it came to athletics, there were five student-athletes in our class. She made sure to provide us with the tools to succeed whether it be time in class to work the day before we had to travel or telling the whole class assignments in advance so we had time to get ahead if need be. LeeAnn not only taught English, she taught us how simple it is to show your support for everyone just by listening.

Years Involved In SAAC: Two. 

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I have always been involved in leadership, class office and helping out in my small community of Buckley. When my coach provided me with the opportunity, I couldn't have been more excited to carry that with me to college.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity: The first meeting was the most memorable for me. As a freshman, I walked in just as a basketball player but left a member of the student athletics community. It didn't matter what sport you played or your age. We were part of something bigger than just our sports. You are constantly with only your team, so it was a true reminder you not only represent something bigger, but you're a piece of it.

What Is The Most Important Thing You've Learned From Balancing The Demands Of Athletics And Academics?: A planner is the key to survival. If you can manage your time now as a young adult, then later in life you can confidently take on time-demanding challenges.

Current Mentor(s): Carmen Dolfo - Head coach of the women's basketball program. Taylor Peacocke - senior guard who has taught me a tremendous amount and has been a role model in how I can contribute to our program. My mother, Kelly Lance - she has brought me up and supported me in everything I do in life. She sacrificed a lot for me and I hope to give that back one day.

Future Goals After School: Coach basketball and share my love for the game and to one day take my degree to run a business that will make a positive difference in the world.

Biggest Obstacle Overcame During Collegiate Career: My largest challenge was time management. I've never lived on my own and took on being a full time student and full time athlete. It’s something you can't always prepare for.

Best Advice I’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Understand that you won't be perfect, no matter how hard you try in the beginning. It's not easy. The intensity and pace of college athletics is very different. Courses are harder and more demanding, but don't give up or lose hope. You can make it if you work hard and stick it out, it gets easier.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: Pat Summitt. She is an incredible coach and I'm sad that a legend has passed. I would have loved to meet her and understand how she saw the game and what her keys to being a successful woman and coach were.

Favorite Athlete: Stephen Curry

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Beating NCAA Division II’s No. 1 team, Alaska Anchorage, last year.

One Thing That People Don't Know About Me Is: I used to be a dancer and luckily quit my family’s passion for my own in basketball.