Friday, June 29, 2018

Part of a regular series.

Throughout the year, GNACsports.com uses this space to profile conference student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Collectively, it is these individuals who make the GNAC one of the top NCAA Division II athletic conferences in the nation.

Name: Chris Green
Sport: Volleyball
School: Alaska Anchorage
Hometown: Gering, Neb.

Colleges Attended & Degrees: Western Nebraska CC, University of Nebraska-Lincoln (Undergraduate, Mathematics Education), University of Wyoming (Graduate, Teaching Mathematics)

Why Did You Become A Coach: The love of the sport was the No. 1 reason when I first made my decision.

Who Has Influenced You The Most As A Coach - Either As An Inspiration, A Mentor, Or Philosophically: Terry Petit (long-time Nebraska coach) and Carl McGown.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome As A Coach: Making the change from player to coach in my first few years.

What Does Division II Mean To You: It's a great balance between academics and athletics. It's a place where winning is as important as academics. It's a great place to coach volleyball, and the level of volleyball is much higher than most people think.

Extracurricular Activities: Mountain biking, skiing and snow biking on a fat-tire bike.

Best Advice You’d Give To Student-Athletes: The time you have in your life as a student-athlete will fly by quickly. Make the best of it! Be your best during this short time.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why): My grandfather. He died a few years ago at 100 years old. I would like to spend a day when he was in his 20s or 30s because he was an inspiration when he was in his 80s.

Favorite Sports Team: Nebraska Huskers football and volleyball teams.

Favorite Athlete: Female: Mireya Luis (volleyball). Male: Aaron Rodgers.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Huskers volleyball national championship in 2006.