Friday, February 10, 2023

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com will occasionally use this space to gain insight into the experiences of former GNAC student-athletes who were active participants in their institutional Student-Athlete Advisory Committees (SAAC). Each institution's SAAC serves as the primary governance arm representing student-athlete interests in Division II affairs. SAAC members serve as student-athlete liaisons that monitor and discuss happenings on campuses, within conferences, and at the national level.

Name: Lauren Herseth
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Central Washington
Graduating year: 2014
Undergraduate degree: Physical Education and School Health

What is your current occupation?: I am the assistant coach for Central Washington's volleyball team.

What is your favorite memory as a student-athlete and why?: There isn't a specific that sticks out as a favorite but rather just the travel trips, hotel stays and team dinners. We had so much fun being together, we laughed a lot and even 10 years later, we are still laughing about some of the same things. My college teammates and coaches are still my people, which is super special and it's something I hope our current players experience in life after graduation.

How many years were you involved in SAAC?: I was involved for four years.

What activity/project are you most proud of from your time in SAAC?: During my time in SAAC, we created the first Student Code of Conduct. Prior to my group, we didn't have a blanket policy for all teams. We felt like there should be a standard for Central Washington athletes, so we spent months putting something together. The policy has morphed and changed over the years, as it should have, but it was a great experience working with our SAAC members to build a policy that reflected the values and traditions associated with Central Washington University Athletics.

What has been your biggest takeaway from SAAC?: My biggest takeaway from SAAC was having the opportunity to put myself out there. I got to know other athletes on campus, learn about their experiences, meet people from different GNAC institutions and get an inside look at the NCAA. There is so much more to college athletics if you look for it!

What is one thing that you wish you would have done more of in college?: I wish I would have talked to my coaches more. Now that I am on the other side of things, I wish I would've tapped into my coaching staff's insight, knowledge and experience. It's hard to convey things with 20 other teammates during practice and training in a limited time. So if I could go back, I would have walked into their office and spent more time connecting with them.

What is one thing that you wish you would have done less of in college?: I wish I would have worried less about what others thought. From teammates to coaches, other student-athletes, classmates and professors, I always cared about how I presented myself, what I said and what I could bring to the table. It's good to have high standards for yourself, but it's also important to learn how to say "no" or take time for yourself!

What advice would you give to yourself as a freshman in college?: Trust the process, learn from mistakes, be open to feedback and celebrate the good stuff. If you do that, you will be a different person on the other side, in all of the best ways. Don't shy away from discomfort!

Favorite Sports Team: All of the Big 10 volleyball teams.

Favorite Athletes: Sue Bird and Kobe Bryant.

What is one thing that people don't know about you?: I taught middle school P.E. for five years and loved it!