Friday, December 4, 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: Kylie Alos
Sport: Volleyball
Institution: Saint Martin's University
Year: Junior
Major: Exercise Science
Minor: Psychology
Hometown: Mililani, Hawai'i

Why Did You Choose To Attend Saint Martin’s?: I loved the small class sizes and liked the idea of my professors actually getting to know me. I thought the campus was beautiful and the Pacific Northwest is a nice change of pace from Hawai'i.

What Is Your Favorite Class You Have Taken And Why?: My favorite class so far has been The Psychology of Coaching. I think psychology is interesting and combining psychology with athletics was something that I took a liking to. I was able to apply concepts from this class on the volleyball court and Coach Tim Healy was a great teacher.

Who Is Your Favorite Professor And What Did You Enjoy About Learning From Him Or Her?: My favorite professor to date is Rebecca McClinon. I've taken four of her classes and enjoyed all of them. She really cares about us and does her best to make sure we understand the material. She also responds to emails quickly when I need help and is very accommodating with my volleyball schedule, especially when we're traveling.

Years Involved In SAAC: One year.

The Reason You Chose To Get Involved In SAAC: I wanted to get more involved at school and be part of an organization that can make a difference on campus.

Most Memorable SAAC Activity To Date: The 2018 Marty's awards banquet. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was the only SAAC event that I have been to but it was nice to see all the teams come together to celebrate 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 after I graduate because it teaches me how to be a leader and also how to work with different types of people who have different opinions.

What Does It Mean To You To Be A Division II Student-Athlete?: Being a Division II student-athlete gives me a balance between strong academics and a competitive sports atmosphere.

What Is The Most Important Thing You’ve Learned About Balancing Athletics And Academics?: I've learned that communication between you and your professors is important. They are more willing to be accommodating if you are in contact with them early in the semester.

Biggest Obstacle Overcome During Your Collegiate Career: Being so far away from home.

Favorite Thing About Competing In The GNAC: The talent in the GNAC is crazy and every game is a good game.

Most Memorable Sports-Related Moment: Beating Northwest Nazarene for the first time in program history at home during my freshman year.

If You Could Change One NCAA Rule, It Would Be: If players transfer within the conference only once, they shouldn’t have to sit out for a year.

Current Mentor(s): My mom.

Best Advice You’d Give To An Incoming Freshman: Put yourself out there. College is such a fun phase in your life and you could make some of your best friends during this time.

If You Could Spend The Day With One Person (Past Or Present), Who Would It Be (And Why)?: Justin Bieber because I love him.

Extracurricular Activities: Hawai'i Club.

Future Goals After Graduation: I'm looking to pursue a career in physical therapy, speech pathology or chiropractic care. I'd also love to travel whenever my schedule allows it.

Favorite Sports Team: Arizona Cardinals.

Favorite Athlete: Larry Fitzgerald.

One Thing People Don’t Know About Me Is: I'm a hula and Tahitian dancer back home in Hawai'i and dance at a luau as a part-time job.