Friday, January 17, 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: Jaden Hassell
Sport: Baseball
Institution: Central Washington University
Year: Senior
Major: Cyber Security
Minor: Digital Forensics and Incident Response
Hometown: Milton, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Central Washington?: I chose to attend Central Washington because I wanted to continue my baseball career under a great coaching staff.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: I honestly enjoyed all of my classes and my internship. I learned so much and my classes complemented my internship well. I had the raw knowledge to apply to my internship, and I gained so many skills during my time there.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: David Douglas and Deborah Wells. Both are extremely passionate about athletics and information technology. They have allowed me to grow and thrive in the classroom, but also pushed me to excel and grow as an athlete. Nothing means more to me than seeing these two supporting student-athletes on the weekends.

Years Involved In SAAC: Three years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: My coach pushed me to get involved when I first arrived on campus and I had no idea what it was. Now, I am thankful that I joined and love being involved.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: Our Trunk or Treat event and the GNAC SAAC retreat.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: It has helped me to realize that no task is too big. SAAC has shown me ways to make Central Washington a better place for athletes and fans, which can inspire others to join SAAC as well.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It’s an opportunity to play the game that I love while obtaining an education that will set me up for success.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Being forced to transfer due to circumstances that I couldn't control. I did, however, end up where I am supposed to be and I don't regret transferring at all.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Competing at a high level while receiving an education.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Hitting my first home run on my mom’s birthday.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: To give all student-athletes full scholarships. If the NCAA can’t pay athletes to play, it should give them tuition so they don't have to find other means of income to pay for school.

Current Mentor(s): My Parents, Mitch Lee, and Desi Storey.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Ask questions and spend time with teammates off the field. You're going to be forming lifelong friendships, so take advantage of the time to do so.

Future Goals After Graduation: Start a career in the fire service, buy a house and donate to charities.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: My great grandmother. I never had the chance to meet her and have heard amazing things about her.

Extracurricular Activities: SAAC and Team IMPACT.

Favorite Sports Team: Dallas Cowboys and Seattle Mariners.

Favorite Athlete: Braden Bishop.

One Thing People Don’t Know About Me Is: I enjoy playing Ping-Pong. I've played for years and I'm pretty good at it.