Friday, September 25, 2020

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: Marquette “Markie” Miller
Sport: Volleyball and Women’s Basketball
Institution: University of Alaska Fairbanks
Year: Senior
Major: Elementary Education
Hometown: Brewster, Washington

Why Did You Choose To Attend Alaska?: I chose to attend Alaska because I wanted to play in the GNAC and explore away from my home state of Washington.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class that I have taken was Alaska Native Education because I got to do fieldwork in a classroom that was taught by native elders. I learned so much about Alaska and its history and cultures. We learned how to bead, sew, carve and make hunting and fishing tools.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: Diane Kardash is my favorite professor because she cares about her students and wants to see all of us succeed. She is just amazing.

Years Involved In SAAC: Four years.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I chose to get involved in SAAC because I wanted to make a difference at school. I wanted to be a leader, advocate and voice for my fellow student-athletes.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: My favorite SAAC memories come from the Nanook Olympics. The Nanook Olympics is an annual SAAC event that allows student-athletes to compete in all of the different sports at UAF. It is entertaining to watch very talented athletes struggle in a sport that they are not familiar with. There are always a lot of laughs. It's always a good way to get everyone together and have some fun at the end of the year.

How Do You Feel Participating In SAAC Will Help You In Life After You Graduate?: I think SAAC will help me to be more comfortable with participating in organizations that can make a difference in the community.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete has helped to shape who I am as a person. It has helped me to persevere and work hard at a high level.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: I've learned the importance of time management. It isn't always easy to get everything done among studying, weights, class, practice, travel and games. It's important to make a schedule and plan ahead.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: The biggest obstacle I have overcome during my collegiate career has been being an athlete while I complete my student teaching.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: Traveling around the Pacific Northwest and getting to play against old teammates and friends.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: My most memorable sports-related moment was beating Alaska Anchorage for the first time in eight years. There is always an awesome atmosphere at the Patty Center when UAA comes to town but this was my favorite game of my career. I will never forget the fans that come to every one of our games and give us so much encouragement on and off the court. We've all become family.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: I wish my friends and I could accept free pizza from our local Domino’s.

Current Mentor(s): Karol Miller and Paula Addis.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Have fun and don't be embarrassed to try new things or go against the norm. Make a lot of friends, especially outside of athletics, and do what makes you happy.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: I would want to spend the day with my grandpa, Charles Miller. I never got to meet him but I have heard so many cool stories and seen awesome pictures. Just hearing about him makes me feel like he shaped part of who I am today.

Extracurricular Activities: Along with SAAC, I am also a part of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Future Goals After Graduation: I want to move back to Brewster, become a teacher and travel in the summers.

Favorite Sports Team: Boston Red Sox.

Favorite Athlete: Scottie Pippen.

One Thing People Don’t Know About You Is: My family has a farm where we raise apples and cherries.