Friday, January 3, 2020

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.

Name: Claudia Hart
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Institution: Simon Fraser University
Year: Junior
Major: Business
Hometown: North Vancouver, British Columbia

Why Did You Choose To Attend Simon Fraser?: I grew up going to Simon Fraser games and always had a dream of playing here. I wanted to go somewhere close to home and my older sister also goes to SFU. After receiving an offer, it was an easy decision.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class was Behavior in Organizations. After taking that class, it was clear to me that I wanted to concentrate in human resources, and it helped me to have a better idea of what I want my future to be like.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor is George Blazenko. He taught Introduction to Finance, which is known to be one of the most difficult business classes at our school. I found his teaching style to be extremely helpful because he gave students opportunities to succeed in his class. He was also very supportive of athletics, and even though I took his class over a year ago, he still waves to me on campus and asks how everything is going.

Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I have always believed that it is important to give back to the community and SAAC is the perfect way to do that. I enjoy planning and volunteering at different events and thought that I could help contribute with new ideas to help fundraise throughout the year.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: Clan Bowling is always a hit at our school. We rent out some lanes at the local bowling alley and there is always some kind of theme such as the toga theme that we had last year.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: I have gained a lot of confidence and leadership skills through planning events with SAAC. This will help me later in life when I need to work with others.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means having a strong balance between athletics and academics and knowing that there is always something for me beyond my time as an athlete.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: Time management is more important than you think. Once my season comes around and I am traveling every other week, it can be difficult to study. Making sure that I am staying on top of my work is essential. I always make weekly lists of what I need to get done and make sure to stick to them.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Injuries. Last year, I was not able to play for five months because of a concussion and neck problems and it was a tough time for me. Not being able to relieve my stress through exercise was difficult, but being injured also made me appreciate what I do so much more once I got back to playing.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Each and every year, our league is competitive and makes for some exciting games throughout the season.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Our team beating Northwest Nazarene at home when they were the No. 1-ranked team in the nation. I have watched my teammate hit the game-winning shot way too many times.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: How much a coach can interact with players in the offseason.

Current Mentor(s): Bruce Langford, my parents and my sisters.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Reserve some time for yourself. School can get hectic and sports can be tough, but making sure you are happy and healthy is important. Whether that means going out with friends or watching Netflix at home, taking care of your mental health is key.

Future Goals After Graduation: I hope to travel around Europe once I am finished with school and basketball, and then figure out what I want to do for work after that.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: Bono from U2. U2 is my mom's favorite band and I have seen them in concert twice. I think Bono is a great performer and even better humanitarian. I would love to sit down and have a conversation with him about his life and how he got to where he is. I would also like to get his autograph for my mom.

Extracurricular Activities: Going to concerts and movies, spending time with family and friends, traveling and reading.

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks.

Favorite Athlete: Russell Wilson.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I am a big fan of the show Jeopardy!