Friday, February 28, 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: Cami Knishka
Sport: Women’s Basketball
Institution: Northwest Nazarene
Year: Sophomore
Major: Secondary Education: Math and Kinesiology
Hometown: Cashmere, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Northwest Nazarene?: I wanted to further my basketball career and I could picture myself fitting in well with the program. I loved the school environment and the education program is great.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class so far has been Introduction to Instructional Design. I enjoyed this class because I learned how to make detailed lesson plans and I had the opportunity to teach math classes at a local high school. I want to pursue teaching and I found that I enjoy being in a classroom.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professors are LoriAnn Sanchez and Whitney Ward. Both of them are in the education department and have similar teaching styles. Their assignments are easy to understand and match what we are learning. They are both approachable if I ever have questions or concerns and are easy to work with when I have to travel for basketball. They also take the time to provide detailed feedback on my work.

Years Involved In SAAC: One year.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: A professor asked me if I was interested in joining. After learning more and finding out that my sister was also in SAAC during her collegiate career, I was sold.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Since this is my first year in SAAC, I am still learning what exactly it’s all about. I think it will help me when I need to interact with new people or work in a group setting. I am excited to see what else I can learn from SAAC.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete means that I get to continue to play the sport that I love while also having the flexibility to focus on my studies. It also means that I get to compete against other talented athletes while learning to balance athletics with academics.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The most important thing that I have learned is to take time off to physically and mentally relax. I also learned to be organized and to communicate with others.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Keeping a positive mindset while battling injuries.

Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC: Playing against other talented teams.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Winning the GNAC Championships and moving on to the NCAA tournament.

Current Mentor(s): My parents and my high school coach, Brent Darnell.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Surround yourself with friends who have similar goals in life as you do because you will make some of the best memories that you will ever have outside of sports and school.

Future Goals After Graduation: I want to be a middle school math teacher and possibly get into coaching at the high school level.

Favorite Sports Team: Oregon State Women's Basketball.

Favorite Athlete: Kelsey Plum.