Friday, October 15, 2021

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: Tylantiss Atlas
Sport: Track and Field
Institution: University of Alaska Anchorage
Year: Senior
Major: Sociology
Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Why Did You Choose To Attend UAA?: I wanted to be far from home and experience something new.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: Sports and society. It helped me choose my major.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Nelta Edwards. She is literally the best! She actually wants the students to learn.

How Many Years Have You Been Involved In SAAC?: Two.

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I wanted to represent my team as well as the university.

What Has Been The Most Memorable SAAC Activity?: Every activity is memorable because it’s always an opportunity to discuss how to make sports better for athletes.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: I pulled my hamstring twice during conference. It was hard for me to keep pushing. I felt like a failure and that track was over for me, but I trusted in God and the following year I won a conference championship.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: It means a lot. It allows me to be disciplined in other areas in my life.

Who Is Your Current Mentor?: My mother, she’s my rock.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: I want to help children with mental disorders.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: Do your school work ahead of time! Don’t wait until the last minute to do anything school-related. School first, sport second.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: It’s the best conference. There is so much competition.

What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?: Winning the GNAC Championships in the 400 meters.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: Floyd Mayweather. I love his work ethic. He works hard and provides for his family. To me, that’s all life is about, working hard and supporting those around you.

Favorite Sports Team: New England Patriots

Favorite Athlete: Tom Brady

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I dance and make music!