Friday, February 18, 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: Daron Ulrich, Jr.
Sport: Football
Institution: Western Oregon University
Year: Freshman
Major: Business
Hometown: Vancouver, Wash.

Why Did You Choose To Attend WOU?: I got scholarship money to play football here, and it’s also a school with diversity.

What Is Your Favorite College Class And Why?: Com 430. It relates to social media and how it affects people. It’s also very relatable and easy.

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

Why Did You Choose To Get Involved With SAAC?: (WOU Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance and Student Services) Jasmine Miller told me that I should do it. I know it’ll look good on my resume.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You After You Graduate?: It’s going to help my communication skills, being able to work with others and problem solving.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, What Would It Be?: Helping out lower division schools with money. Athletes often have to get a job and pay for other expenses.

What Have You Learned From Needing To Balance Athletics And Academics?: You need to have really good time management and make sure that you aren’t procrastinating.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Setting a good example for people in my community.

What Are Your Future Goals After Graduating?: I want to become a CFO or get an opportunity to play football at the next level.

What’s Your Favorite Thing About Being Part Of The GNAC?: You’re able to compete against people that you’re familiar with.

What’s Your Favorite Sports Memory?: Beating West Texas A&M (in October 2021).

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person, Who Would It Be?: Kobe Bryant. I’d want to understand how he was so strong with his work ethic.

Favorite Sports Team: Los Angeles Lakers

Favorite Athlete: Giannis Antetokounmpo

What’s Something People Don’t Know About You?: I work watching after autistic kids.