Friday, January 14, 2022

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: Kalissa Beltran
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Simon Fraser University
Year: Sophomore
Major: Health Sciences
Hometown: Surrey, B.C.

Why Did You Choose To Attend SFU?: I chose to go to SFU because of the opportunities it had to be successful athletically and academically, along with my amazing coach.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: Health Sciences 100, because it was the introductory class to my major and I had an amazing passionate professor who passed on her passion to me.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor?: Pablo Nepomnaschy, because of his passion for his class and students and the amount of effort he puts in to make sure students succeed.

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

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: I wanted to make more of a difference in the community.

What Has Been The Most Memorable SAAC Activity?: I have participated a lot in Special Olympics. That has been my favorite. I haven’t done much yet since I was in season.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You After You Graduate?: It helps me connect with my community while working with people who all have a common goal.

What Is The Biggest Obstacle You Have Overcome During Your Collegiate Career?: Dealing with the mental side of sports (injuries, not performing as well as you would like) especially during COVID-19.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: I feel successful, powerful and like I am living the dream I have had since I was a kid.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: I want to be an occupational therapist and work with children with developmental disabilities.

What Advice Would You Have For An Incoming Freshman?: Enjoy the time you have and work hard, but don’t be too hard on yourself.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: The positive culture around the conference.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: My father passed away when I was young. I would want to tell him all about my life now.

Favorite Athlete: (SFU teammate) Bianca Te

Extracurricular Activities: Hiking, working out, playing the guitar and singing, hanging out with my friends and playing with my dog!

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I am terrified of seals.