Friday, October 30, 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: Alyssa Tomasini
Sport: Women’s Soccer
Institution: Western Oregon University
Year: Senior
Major: Community Health Education and Nursing
Minor: Human Biology
Hometown: Camas, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Western Oregon?: When I came to visit Western Oregon, I fell in love with the campus. It felt like home. The soccer team welcomed me right when I entered the locker room and this school has such a positive atmosphere and great environment to learn in. I knew I wanted to attend a small school that wasn’t too far away from home, which made Western Oregon the perfect fit for me.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: Anatomy and Physiology was my favorite class because it was hard but it allowed me to learn new material to prepare for a future in health care.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: Professor Amy Hammermeister. I have taken several of her classes and she never failed to lose my interest because her classes are always interesting. I can always turn to her if I have any problems and she gives off a positive energy in the classroom and on campus.

Years Involved In SAAC: Four years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to get involved in SAAC because I wanted to be more involved and become a leader for my team, Western Oregon athletics and the community.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: The 2019 Cancer Awareness Night during our men's and women's basketball games. We raised a lot of money for cancer research from students, staff and fans.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: Being in SAAC has made me come out of my comfort zone and allowed me to develop stronger leadership skills.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: I am thankful to be a Division II student-athlete. It has allowed me to bring my game to the next level. I need to work hard on the field and in the classroom to represent my school in a positive way.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: The most significant takeaway I have had while playing collegiate soccer is to prioritize being a student before an athlete in order to maintain a successful career on and off the field.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Getting used to the grind. I had to be prepared to work hard while also taking care of my body. My biggest obstacle was having surgery this year. I am now recovering and trying to get my body back to its full potential.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: How much the GNAC supports its student-athletes.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Securing a spot in the 2019 GNAC Championships.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: I would allow all sports teams to have more hours to practice and get better during the offseason.

Current Mentor(s): My family.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Stay up to date with academics and athletics but don't stress yourself out too much and enjoy your freshman year as much as you can.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would spend the day with my grandpa. He passed away when I was young and he was my best friend and biggest role model.

Extracurricular Activities: I am a member of SAAC and a volunteer with the Center of Hope and Safety and the American Red Cross.

Future Goals After Graduation: After graduation, I plan to attend nursing school to gain more knowledge and eventually work my way to becoming a pediatric nurse.

Favorite Sports Team: Seattle Seahawks and Portland Thorns.

Favorite Athlete: Tobin Heath.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: I am both left-handed and left-footed.